Seamus McGarvey, the Oscar nominated cinematographer behind films such as Atonement, The Hours and Charlotte's web, is to become a Patron of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). He joins Scottish actors Sean Connery, Tilda Swinton and Robert Carlyle.
McGarvey has worked at the top level with directors such as Oliver Stone, Stephen Daldry and Stephen Frears. Most recently he has wrapped The Soloist with Robert Downey Jnr and Jamie Foxx, and is currently shooting Sam Taylor-Wood's second feature, Nowhere Boy.
"I am absolutely delighted to become a Patron of the EIFF, it is a
film festival particularly close to my heart and it has played a
significant part in my professional life as well," said McGarvey.
EIFF Chair Iain Smith said McGarvey has
been a longstanding supporter of the Festival. "He represents a
vital connection with the industry, at a time when the Festival is
uniquely refocusing on young talent, new media and technology. His
patronage signifies the Festival's intention to engender contact and
discussion between talent, content and technology; between culture and
commerce, innovation and industry," said Smith.
Slumdog guest
In his first year as EIFF patron, McGarvey will be welcoming onstage Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle. McGarvey considers him "one of the most inventive filmmakers in the world."
Returning to Scotland in the year of Homecoming, Dod Mantle will be interviewed in front of a public audience at a Festival In-Person event, discussing his body of work including Kevin Macdonald's The Last King of Scotland and 2006's EIFF Michael Powell winner, Brothers of the Head, to his most recent project with Lars Von Trier, Antichrist.
As part of the ongoing commitment to expand its industry initiatives, the EIFF will be hosting a series of presentations, debates, screenings and masterclasses that look at cinematography and 3D stereo production, led by professionals working at the cutting edge of motion picture technology, with the aim of assisting filmmakers with the vast range of film and digital choices that are available.