Inverness Film Festival Returns with Cannes Winners, Classics and Local Shorts

Eden Court's cinema in Inverness is preparing to host its annual film festival from 13 to 19 November, bringing together new releases, international cinema and documentaries alongside short films made by filmmakers from the Highlands and Islands.

Among the highlights is Cristian Mungiu's Fjord, starring Renate Reinsve, which features in a programme designed to showcase what festival director Paul MacDonald-Taylor described as "cinema in all its variety". He said the event offered audiences a chance to discover films they "might not otherwise encounter on the big screen".

The festival coincides with Eden Court's 50th anniversary in the city, and this milestone is being marked with screenings held beyond the venue's own cinema. Classic films will be shown at a selection of local landmarks, with Ghostbusters screening at Inverness Library, Kidnapped at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, and Little Shop of Horrors at Inverness Botanic Gardens.

Filmmaking talent from the Highlands and Islands will also be celebrated through the Filmland Network's Inverness Shorts Showcase. Local filmmakers will present their short films to audiences, followed by a question and answer session, before members of the public vote for their favourite entry.

The programme, supported by Screen Scotland, will include Trad Treasures: Jimmy Hutchinson, a documentary celebrating the life and work of the Gaelic singer from South Uist.

MacDonald-Taylor said this year's line-up has plenty to spark discussion. "There's plenty in this year's festival to spark conversation, from films tackling conflict, politics and climate to stories exploring identity, belonging and the ties that bind us," he said.

The festival will open on 13 November with Danny Boyle's new film Ink, which is based on Rupert Murdoch's takeover of the Sun newspaper and stars Jack O'Connell, Guy Pearce and Claire Foy.

Tickets for the festival go on sale on 21 October, with the full programme also available from that date through Eden Court.