The change to June follows a comprehensive consultation exercise exploring the future direction of the Festival, involving the EIFF Board, government agencies, contacts in the film industry and, of course, our audience.

EIFF Managing Director Ginnie Atkinson is confident the move will widen the Festival’s audience appeal:

"In recent market research, an overwhelming majority of our audience said they would attend the Film Festival even if it was the only festival on at the time. This gives us the confidence that June will be a success on all fronts.

"The June move also makes it more affordable and practical for film-goers, from both home and abroad, to visit and stay in the city at that time."

Artistic Director Hannah McGill is equally enthusiastic about the change of dates:

"It is good news for the Film Festival and the city of Edinburgh. It will allow us to further develop our reputation as one of the world's most innovative, cutting-edge and challenging annual film events. Logistically, a June event is also better placed in the ever-crowded international film festival calendar."

Hannah’s belief that the move to June will see the Festival host yet more exclusive events and prestigious premieres has been echoed by EIFF Patron Sir Sean Connery:

"Changing the dates of the Film Festival will create space for a modern, forward-thinking event that offers higher status and an individual identity to film culture.

"An enhanced Film Festival is a key component in long-term plans to create an Edinburgh hub for the Scottish, UK and international industry.

"It will also ensure that a wider local and global community gets the chance to participate in, and enjoy, what we have to offer here. In the words of Sean Penn: tremendous films, tremendous festival, beautiful city."

Read the ringing endorsements the move to June has received in the full statement issued today here.