THE new director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival wants to expand the annual event, foster closer ties with the other Edinburgh festivals, and pursue a policy of combining "red carpets and Hollywood stars" with unearthing new film talent.
Hannah McGill, film critic of The Herald, was announced yesterday as the successor to Shane Danielsen, who will step down from leading the festival after five years this summer.
McGill, 29, has served as film critic and cinema columnist with The Herald since 2001 and has also been a programme consultant with the festival in recent years.
Last night she said she wanted the event to grow its reputation in Europe and the world for being a film festival that brings new movies and talent to its audience, whilst maintaining a populist touch.
"I really want to push the agenda of red carpets and Hollywood stars, but also trying to balance that within a spectrum of events, new films, new talent and maintaining the festival's reputation, " she said.
"I want to broaden the festival out, open it up beyond just watching films in dark rooms. For example, I think the conversations with actors and directors is something we do well, are popular, and something we can do more of. I think there is room for more cross-pollination with the other festivals as well and that is something I want to work on, " she added. She will take up her new role in September.
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