This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Curtains open on Film Festival
13/08/2003
The best place to see innovative and exciting cinema is
in Edinburgh in August, but Scotland should be home to a
successful film industry all the year round, said First
Minister Jack McConnell today.
He was speaking before he attended the opening night of
the Edinburgh International Film Festival, which is now in
its 56
th year.
He said: "Most people love the cinema, whether it is the
latest blockbuster, or a small budget film from a new,
young director. And here in Edinburgh the Film Festival has
earned a reputation as a pioneering force in world
cinema.
"I have always loved films, ever since I was a young
child, and I am only sorry that I don't have the time to
watch more of the 100 movies that are on offer this
year.
"As a movie fan, I am particularly proud that this
year's opening film is a Scottish one.
"The Scottish film industry has had its ups and downs in
the past, but I am confident that a post devolution
Scotland will see increasingly more Scottish film making,
and Scottish contributions to the world of cinema more
generally.
"We already have one of the best film festivals in the
world, the challenge now is to make our domestic film
industry and the contribution of Scots talent to cinema
worldwide even more successful."