The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced that the U.K. premiere of The Outrun, featuring Saoirse Ronan, will kick off this year's event. Directed by Nora Fingscheidt, the film is an adaptation of Amy Liptrot's bestselling memoir, following Ronan's character as she navigates life on the Scottish islands of Orkney while overcoming a decade-long battle with addiction. Ronan, who also serves as a co-producer, will be present at the festival alongside Fingscheidt, Liptrot, and producers Sarah Brocklehurst and Dominic Norris.
The Outrun made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival and is set to be released by StudioCanal in the U.K. and Ireland on September 27. Additionally, EIFF unveiled the name of its short film competition as The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence, in honor of Schoonmaker's renowned contributions to cinema as an editor, notably collaborating with Martin Scorsese on iconic films like Raging Bull and Goodfellas.
EIFF director Paul Ridd praised The Outrun as a remarkable film, highlighting Ronan's captivating performance and the film's artistic depth. Ridd expressed admiration for Fingscheidt's filmmaking prowess, particularly noting her previous work on System Crasher. The festival aims to champion bold and innovative cinema, making The Outrun a fitting choice for its opening night.
The Outrun was developed and produced by Brocklehurst, Norris, Ronan, and Jack Lowden, with support from BBC Film and Screen Scotland. Protagonist Pictures, BBC Film, Screen Scotland, and MBK Productions serve as executive producers on the project. The full EIFF program will be unveiled on July 4, coinciding with the commencement of ticket sales for the festival.
