The Edinburgh International Film Festival has tapped Picturehouse Entertainment head of acquisitions Paul Ridd as its new director.
Ridd will join in December. His first festival, the event’s 77th anniversary, will take place in August 2024, with specific dates to be announced.
The festival returned for its 76th editionearlier this year following financial difficulties. It was led by Kate Taylor, who took over from Kristy Matheson who became the new director of the BFI London Film Festival. Taylor did not apply for the position again.
As director, Ridd will be responsible for creating, developing and running the business, implementing the fundraising strategy, and delivering a budget and a multi-year plan for the festival. In addition, he will work collaboratively with the board to lead the organization’s overall strategic direction and sustainability, develop the strategy and vision and build a new and dynamic team.
During Ridd’s tenure at Picturehouse, releases included Francis Lee’s “God’s Own Country,” Audrey Diwan’s “Happening,” Charlotte Regan’s Scrapper and Justine Triet’s 2023 Palme d’Or winner “Anatomy of a Fall.” Ridd has also acted as a program advisor to the BFI London Film Festival since 2018 and an international consultant for Karlovy Vary International Film Festival since 2019.
Andrew Macdonald, chair of Edinburgh International Film Festival, said: “We are delighted that Paul will be the new festival director at Edinburgh International Film Festival. Paul is passionate about film and has the energy and entrepreneurial skills to lead and champion the new, fresh voice of EIFF. I look forward to supporting him and the new team now and in the future.”
Ridd added: “’I am beyond thrilled to be joining EIFF at a crucial point in its history. I aim to lead the festival into a bright new future with world class films, world class filmmakers and engaged audiences at the heart of everything we do. In the coming months I look forward to assembling a team to deliver the festival, working closely with Andrew Macdonald and the new board to launch something fresh and different for the global scene. I am indebted to the unparalleled mentorship of [Picturehouse MD] Clare Binns these past years and I aim to replicate her fierce dedication, passion and true love for cinema as the driving principles of the festival. Watch this space, and bring it on.”
