With over 300 events in 2009, the Year of Homecoming is the perfect time to gather with family and friends in Scotland.

Taking place on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June in Edinburgh's Grassmarket, Film Festival Under The Stars gives audiences the chance to see classic films on huge outdoor screens for free. 

In 2009 the event celebrates the work of the Festivals four Patrons - Sir Sean Connery, Tilda Swinton, Robert Carlyle and Seamus McGarvey.

The films getting the big screen treatment are Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, You Only Live Twice, The Chronicles of Narnia, Stone of Destiny and Charlotte's Web.

The event takes place in a family-friendly atmosphere and (weather permitting!) allows locals and visitors to the city the rare opportunity to see films in the outdoor surrounds of Edinburgh's historic Grassmarket. 

Managing Director Ginnie Atkinson was delighted that EIFF have teamed up with Homecoming Scotland for the 2009 edition of the event.

“Film Festival Under the Stars is a free annual event that aims to introduce the EIFF to new audiences.

"It's a fun event for cinema fans of all ages, and in celebration of Homecoming Scotland, the Festival is proud to present a selection of work from its four Patrons."

Other Homecoming Scotland events running at the Festival include a celebration for returning EIFF alumni to be attended by Sir Sean Connery; a Focus on Peter McDougall and John Mackenzie, and a 15th Anniversary digital restoration screening of Danny Boyle’s Shallow Grave.

Marie Christie, Director of Homecoming Scotland, commented,
“The year of Homecoming aims to celebrate many of Scotland’s great contributions to the world and reconnect Scotland with the millions of people around the world who have an ancestral link or love for our country.

"The Edinburgh International Film Festival is an established element of Scotland’s world-class events portfolio and we are delighted the Festival has taken the opportunity to partner with Homecoming.”

The full line-up and timings are as follows:

Friday 19 June

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 18:00
You Only Live Twice 20:15

Saturday 20 June

The Chronicles of Narnia 14:15
Charlotte's Web 16:45
Stone of Destiny 18:30
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 20:15

Film Festival Under The Stars takes place on 19 and 20 June at The Grassmarket, as part of the joint initiative between Scottish Enterprise and The City of Edinburgh Council.
 
You Only Live Twice is provided thanks to Park Circus.