The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) will take place from August 14-20, 2025, marking its 78th year with a programme focused on discovering new cinematic voices and engaging a global audience. The festival will open with Eva Victor's comedy-drama *Sorry, Baby*, which previously earned Victor the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the Sundance Film Festival. The film, distributed worldwide by A24, explores Agnes's navigation of personal challenges with a friend's support and is set for a wider release later in the year. The festival will conclude with the world premiere of Paul Sng's documentary *Reality Is Not Enough*, an intimate portrait of author Irvine Welsh, exploring his creative journey and reflections. The documentary features readings from Welsh's novels by actors including Liam Neeson and Maxine Peake, and is scheduled for a UK cinema release in September.
The EIFF will also host the Sean Connery Prize competition, featuring ten world premieres from various countries, celebrating excellence in feature filmmaking. The Sean Connery Prize, established to honour the legacy of the iconic Scottish star, awards £50,000 to the winning feature film, determined by audience vote. This initiative underscores the festival's commitment to nurturing emerging talent and celebrating cinematic artistry. The festival's programme aims to champion new filmmakers and engage audiences with a broad spectrum of cinematic expression, reflecting both Scotland's cultural landscape and international diversity.