It's time to introduce you to another member of our hard-working team! Meet Andrew, Our EIFF Youth Engagement & Events Manager, and find out all about his day-to-day role, his favourite films, and who would portray him in a biopic of his life!

Andrew Campbell, Youth Engagement & Events Manager

Tell us about what made you take up your role at Filmhouse, Belmont Filmhouse and EIFF? 

When I was a kid my gran raised me on a diet of Classical Hollywood cinema. During rough times I could always count on people like Lauren Bacall, Ginger Rogers and Bette Davis to cheer me up. All I had to do was put on the video tape and there they were. When I was teenager, Channel Four would use their midnight slot to show some real oddities. I discovered people like John Waters; Kenneth Anger; Pedro Almodovar and David Lynch. Their films made me feel a lot less alone, and helped me to come to terms with who I am. 

My role as Youth Engagement and Events Manager at EIFF means I get to pass on this love of cinema. Our New Visions Short film competition encourages new filmmakers to hone their skills. Our workshops help teach the language of film; and I get to talk to budding film-buffs all across Scotland. 

I genuinely believe film can save lives, and it is an honour to try and share that with people.

We know you’re busy working away on plans for the cinemas and EIFF. Are there any exclusives you can tell us about? 

If there is one thing I hate it's spoilers; so I won't give too much away!

However, what I can say is we will be screening some of the best in up-and-coming Scottish talent as part of our New Visions competition and delivering some fabulous workshops at our lovely HQ (more details to follow!)

If a film was to be made about your life, who would write, direct and star in? 

A lot of people think I look like Stephen Merchant so I guess he would be the star! 

I would love for Alejandro Jodorowsky to direct. I've been loving their autobiographical series of films, and his colour and surrealism would be a fantastic fit.

For the screenplay I would like Céline Sciamma. She always seems to respect her subjects, and writes about queer experience in a beautiful and humane manner. It would bring me great piece of mind knowing she was in charge of the script.

What’s your favourite film, that you could watch over and over? And why? 

I don't know that I have a favourite film. I am not much of a repeat viewer, but they are exceptions. I've seen Mean Girls and Clueless upwards of 50 times, and can pretty much quote Showgirls line-by-line. My other choice, which I admit is a bit odd, is Caligula. When I am having a bad day I can watch Caligula and think...my day might be terrible, but at least I am not having to deal with any of this!