Edinburgh kids get into cinema with Into Film

Edith Bowman supports the Into Film Festival Pic: Contributed

The Festival launches in the Capital, next Wednesday, with a screening of the Roald Dahl film Fantastic Mr Fox, at the Cameo.

With more than 300 events planned across Scotland, including ones at Edinburgh Zoo and the Scottish Parliament, the festival’s programme aims to address issues such as diversity, wellbeing and anti-bullying.

Celebrity supporter, DJ and presenter Edith Bowman says, “The Into Film Festival is a wonderful idea because what opportunities are available for five to 19 year olds that encapsulates everything we love about cinema?

“It’s a specific window for young people to be thrown into the film world, not just to see films for free, but for the chance to get involved in all the events that go on, weather that’s workshops, talks or discussions.

“There’s nothing better than being sat in a cinema with a lot of people and getting that shared experience.

“It’s the same for me as being at a music festival, it’s that ripple effect you get when watching a film with people, the emotion that sweeps over the room.

“It’s the best way and the best environment to experience film.”

Featuring more than 150 films, the Edinburgh highlights of this year’s event include special screenings of Goosebumps and Me, Earl and the Dying Girl, at the Filmhouse.

Blockbusters Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Independence Day, X-Men: Apocalypse and Captain America: Civil War, will also feature, along with Alvin and the Chipmunks, Kung Fu Panda 3, and Finding Nemo.

A special event in the Scottish Parliament will include an exhibition of photography by Harry Benson and a screening of the feature film Selma.

To foster a love of cinema, 100,000 young people participating in events will receive a free cinema voucher to see a film of their choice.

For more information on how your 9-15 year old can take part visit www.intofilm.org