Meg Ryan to walk red carpet at Edinburgh Film Festival

Hollywood star Meg Ryan. Picture: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SCAD

Ryan, best known for hit movies such as When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle, has gone behind the camera for her directorial debut Ithaca, about a teenager delivering telegrams during the Second World War.

And Downton Abbey favourite Joanne Froggatt, who starred alongside James  McAvoy in Filth, the acclaimed adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s book, was expected to be back in Edinburgh for the world premiere of new drama Starfish.

Confirmed for appearances at the event – which gets under way on Wednesday – are British actress Sadie Frost, former Doctor Who assistant Freema Agyeman and up-and-coming Irish actor Robert Sheehan. Scottish stars Dougray Scott, Brian Cox and James Cosmo are all expected to attend gala screenings during the 10-day event.

Hannibal Lector star Cox, who is currently shooting a movie about Winston Churchill in Edinburgh, will be at the festival with two films.

Comedy The Carer sees him play a retired Shakespearean actor, while Western drama Forsaken sees him star opposite Kiefer Sutherland.

Scott is starring in new zombie apocalypse thriller The Rezort, while Cosmo will join Clancy Brown, one of his co-stars in cult fantasy Highlander, which is getting a gala screening to mark its 30th anniversary.

Also heading for the festival are Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall and celebrated indie film-maker Kevin Smith, who will both be looking back on their careers in special “in person” events.

Sir Sean Connery’s son Jason will open the festival with the world premiere of golfing drama Tommy’s Honour, which depicts the father-and-son relationship between Scottish golfing pioneer Tom Morris and his son Tommy.

Peter Mullan and Jack Lowden, the main stars of the film, which Connery shot in St Andrews, are both due on the red carpet.

Diane Henderson, the festival’s deputy artistic director, said: “In this special year we’re proud to welcome so many exciting and talented guests from all over the world.

“Some we’re lucky enough to welcome back and others are here for the very first time.

“If you’d like the chance to rub shoulders with your favourite actor, director, animator or producer, or the opportunity to meet the stars of tomorrow, then the  Edinburgh International Film Festival has it all.”