A DOCUMENTARY about acclaimed Scots author Irvine Welsh is set to have its world premiere at the closing night of a popular film festival.
Reality is Not Enough, directed by Paul Sng, has been revealed as the closing film at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF).
The biographical film follows Welsh on a hallucinogenic trip, with the observational footage interwoven with archival film clips and readings of his popular novels by celebrities Liam Neeson, Stephen Graham, Maxine Peake, Ruth Negga and Nick Cave.
Paul Ridd, CEO and festival director of EIFF, said: “We were so impressed by this brilliantly immersive and fascinating documentary about iconic Scottish writer Irvine Welsh.
“Director Paul Sng’s refreshingly unusual and highly cinematic approach perfectly fits his subject, a man who has spent an entire career refusing to be pinned down, always surprising us with works of profound impact, rawness and grace.
“We could not think of a better way to round off our festival than with this terrific film.”
Director Paul Sng added: “I'm completely delighted that Reality is Not Enough has been chosen to close this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival.
“When I read Trainspotting as a teenager in London back in the nineties, I had no idea I would one day live in the city where the book is set, let alone make a film with its author, Irvine Welsh.
“Having our world premiere in our home city is a huge honour and we're looking forward immensely to sharing the film with the EIFF audience.”
Reality is Not Enough was co-financed and produced by Edinburgh-based production company LS Films, with the support of Screen Scotland.
The 78th edition of EIFF will take place in Edinburgh from August 14–20, 2025, and the full festival programme is set to be launched on July 2.
Reality is Not Enough will be released in the UK later this year.
