Disney Pixar film Brave to premiere at Edinburgh film festival

THE new Disney Pixar blockbuster Brave is to receive its European premiere when it closes the Edinburgh International Film Festival this summer, it was revealed today.

The animated tale, by the creators of Toy Story and Finding Nemo, will be shown on June 30 in the Capital.

Set in a mythical Scotland, it features the voices of stars including Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Robbie Coltrane and Kelly Macdonald.

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Stars and film-makers are expected on the red carpet at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre for the closing night of the event.

Chris Fujiwara, artistic director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, said: “We’re delighted to host the premiere of Brave and continue the festival’s long relationship with Disney.

“Though we are an international film festival, we’re mindful that we have a special responsibility to Scotland’s cinematic image.

“It makes perfect sense that this film, which is so strongly tied to the cultural mythology of Scotland and the beauty of the Scottish landscape, and in which Scottish talent has such a significant involvement, should be part of our festival.”

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First Minister Alex Salmond announced news of the premiere during his speech at VisitScotland’s Winning Years Conference in Perth today.

He said: “This will present us with an immense opportunity when Scotland will be centre stage in the film with all the tourism and business opportunities this will bring.

“I fully expect that as the film launches across the world, so will awareness of Scotland increase.”

He added: “Brave will be the most high-profile film ever set in, and themed around, Scotland, featuring Scottish stars.

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“We are looking at a film which comes from the award-winning team behind such box-office smashes as Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Up, and will create global buzz when it is released.”

Brave tells the tale of Merida, a skilled archer and the impetuous daughter of King Fergus, who unleashes chaos in the kingdom when she defies an age-old custom.

The film premiere announcement comes days after VisitScotland revealed it has joined forces with Disney Pixar in a campaign designed to promote Scottish tourism across the world and boost the Scottish economy.

VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay said: “When better than in the Year of Creative Scotland, and where better than right here on Scottish soil, to launch Brave for the first time in Europe.

“The film will showcase the scenery, humour and culture of Scotland, and we are looking forward to converting cinema-goers into visitors.”