Edinburgh Film Festival set to move to June in 2008.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival announced 7 August that the Festival will, from 2008 onwards, take place during the month of June.

For the first time in the Film Festival's 60 year history, it will not run with the other summer festivals.

This bold move was explained in a statement released on the morning of 7 August said: 'following a comprehensive consultation exercise exploring the future direction of the Festival, the June move has been agreed as one of the main catalysts for change, driving forward an invigorated strategy for future growth.'

The Film Festival's organisers believe that being the 'only show in town' in Edinburgh during June will boost opportunities to raise the profile of both the event itself, and the films being shown.

Hannah McGill, festival director added:"Everyone we have spoken to - from our contacts within the film industry to partners across the city of Edinburgh - agreed that the move to June makes artistic and commercial sense.

"It is good news for the Film Festival and the city of Edinburgh . June will give us the breathing space to expand and create our own distinct identity, allowing us to further develop our reputation as one of the world's most innovative, cutting-edge and challenging annual film events. Logistically, a June event is also better placed in the ever-crowded international film festival calendar."

Related links 

Interview with Hannah McGill