Director John Maybury, actor Matthew Rhys, who plays Dylan Thomas in the film, and screenwriter Sharman Macdonald were also present for the exclusive event.

It was a star-studded affair as the 62nd Festival launched in style, with EIFF Patron Sir Sean Connery, actors Danny Huston and Dylan Moran, and veteran director Terence Davies also appearing.

The director and stars of The Edge of Love expressed their delight at the film's selection as the Opening Night Gala for 2008.

Maybury was returning to EIFF a decade after Love is the Devil scooped the Michael Powell Award. The Edge of Love is another 'non-biopic', this time concerning the complicated lovelife of poet Dylan Thomas.

"It's a joy, a privilege and I feel so honoured to have The Edge of Love at the Festival," commented Maybury.

"The thing is there's a raft of brilliant films. The selection is incredible. I was thrilled that this is a standalone event."

Keira Knightley was joined on the red carpet by co-star Sienna Miller, and the pair revealed the trick behind their incredible on-screen chemistry.

"Because we're actresses and it's our job - we hate each other, actually," joked Knightley. "I think warmth is one of the most difficult things to fake and luckily we all got on really well."

"You either click or you don't, and, thank God, on this we all really clicked and really adore each other" added Miller. "I think that shows in the film."

Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who turns in a remarkable performance as Thomas, was an admirer of the poet long before winning the role.

"There was a lot of Dylan Thomas in my school and in my upbringing," he commented. "I was fortunate enough to speak with his daughter who helped a lot and listened endlessly to his tapes."

With a huge local turn-out and the presence of international news crews, it was one of the biggest events at EIFF in recent years, and marked a smooth launch for the Festival that takes place in June for the first time this year.

Director Maybury was quick to point out EIFF's distinguished standing in the crowded film festival calendar.

"This is one of the most important festivals on the circuit because it isn't about commerce, it's not about deal making.

"It's about filmmakers and filmmaking, and that's what a film festival should be."