Kevin Smith, Kim Cattrall and Clancy Brown, appearing for a 4K version of the 30-year-old classic Highlander, are among the special guests at this year's 70th Edinburgh International Film Festival, running 15-26 June.
The festival line-up in this landmark year will feature a total of 161 features from 46 countries. Among the 22 World Premieres will be the previously announced opening and closing galas, Tommy's Honour directed by Jason Connery and, Gillies Mackinnon's remake of the beloved Forties, Ealing comedy "Whisky Galore!".
Other highlights include the UK Premiere of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial with John Williams’ iconic score performed live by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh.
Continuing a longtime relationship with animation studio Disney-Pixar the EIFF will host the UK premiere of animation Finding Dory, sequel to family favourite Finding Nemo.
"Those who were with us last year might agree that we worked hard to emphasise the word ‘festival’, with audiences, guests and staff embracing the inclusive and celebratory atmosphere; getting the chance to see terrific films, meet some terrific talents and maybe even share a drink or two in the Festival HQ… or the Filmhouse Café Bar as we call it the rest of the year," says EIFF artistic director Mark Adams, in his welcome message in the EIFF brochure (download in PDF format).
The festival combines a familiar mix of new British cinema in competition for the coveted Michael Powell Award, US indies (such as Smith's Yoga Hosers, pictured above), world cinema, documentaries, and edgier late night fare.
Among the retrospectives, shorts and features provide a "Focus on Finland", while "Cinéma Du Look" celebrates the stylish 80s and 90s French flicks of Jean-Jacques Beineix, Luc Besson, and Leos Cara.
Meanwhile, "Pow!!!" traces cinematic roots of the current wave of superhero blockbusters, with two rarely screened Japanese classics based on world famous Manga comic strips, Kenji Misumi’s Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance and Junya Sato’s Golgo 13, alongside the likes of Barbarella.
The EIFF awards section includes an Audience Award, Best International Feature Film award, and Best Documentary Feature Film award.
The EIFF will also again be putting on free outdoor films in St Andrew Square.
The 70th Edinburgh International Film Festival runs 15-26 June, 2016.