The Edinburgh International Film Festival today confirmed that actor Robert Carlyle has accepted the role of Festival Patron. Carlyle was invited by Sir Sean Connery to join him and Tilda Swinton, the Festival's two other Patrons, at the close of this year's EIFF.
The announcement comes after the Festival concluded its box-office breaking 12 day run in the new calendar-slot of June. Robert Carlyle, who played a Bond villain in the World Is Not Enough and volatile thug Begbie in Edinburgh-set Trainspotting, has been an EIFF regular. He was at the festival this year for two of his new films - the poorly received Stone of Destiny and the Kenny Glenaan's popular drama Summer. The Full Monty, where Carlyle as an unemployed steelworker got his kit off, premiered at the EIFF in 1997.
"Robert Carlyle has had a fascinating career - and continues to get better," said EIFF Artistic Director Hannah McGill. "He is also a loyal supporter of the Festival and a passionate advocate for the domestic industry. I am delighted to have such a charismatic and dedicated set of patrons and I really look forward to working with Robert."
"It was a great honour to be asked by Sir Sean, and I am delighted to become a Patron of the EIFF - a Festival that showcases the best of Scottish, British and International filmmaking," said Carlyle.
Sir Sean Connery said: "Robert Carlyle is a Scot we are all proud of and he has made his reputation as a most excellent actor at home and abroad. I am very pleased that he has agreed to become a Patron of the EIFF."