EIFF announces In Conversation: Thelma Schoonmaker on Michael Powell

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is pleased to welcome legendary film editor Thelma Schoonmaker for a special in-depth In Conversation event at this year’s Festival.

Article Source: Edinburgh International Film Festival
Last Updated: 30 July 2025 11:29

Wednesday 30 July Edinburgh: Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is pleased to welcome legendary film editor Thelma Schoonmaker for a special in-depth In Conversation event at this year’s Festival where she will discuss her late husband Michael Powell's life and filmmaking career.

Beginning his career directing low budget films in the 1930s prior to his acclaimed 1937 film The Edge of the World (also screening in a restoration at EIFF 2025), Michael Powell is perhaps best known for his creative partnership with Emeric Pressburger. That partnership produced some of the most brilliant British films of the 20th century, including The Life of Death of Colonel Blimp (1943), A Matter of Life and Death (1946), Black Narcissus (1947) and The Red Shoes (1948).

Public outrage at Powell's solo directorial effort, the disturbing horror masterpiece Peeping Tom (1960) has since rightfully turned to praise and Powell is now considered one of the most important British filmmakers of the 20th century. This is thanks in no small part to the efforts of Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker since the 1980s, with their championing of his films and efforts to restore them.

Thelma will also introduce a special screening of Michael Powell's classic film The Edge of the World (1937) presented in a digital restoration.

Set on an isolated Scottish island, Powell's beautifully filmed and stirring film dramatises the shifts in play in a remote community as older generations struggle to retain their culture as younger islanders look to leave in search of more modern lifestyles.

The Edge of the World will screen on Saturday 16 August at 7PM in Cameo 1 with introduction from Thelma Schoonmaker.

In Conversation: Thelma Schoonmaker on Michael Powell will take place on Sunday 17 August at 915PM in Tollcross Central Hall.

EIFF is also pleased to announce that the guest at 90 Minutes or Less FilmFest Podcast (Live) will be acclaimed comedian Rose Matafeo, star of Starstruck, Baby Done and Junior Taskmaster. 90 Minutes or Less is the celebrated podcast where host Sam Clements discusses a short, sharp film, under 90 minutes in length with special guests.

90 Minutes or Less FilmFest Podcast (Live) takes place on Sunday 17 August at 2.50pm at Monkey Barrel Comedy 3.

Tickets for In Conversation: Thelma Schoonmaker on Michael Powell and The Edge of the World will be available from Midday today via the EIFF website. Tickets for 90 Minutes or Less FilmFest Podcast (Live) are on sale now.

EIFF’s In Conversation strand also features a range of other major filmmaking talent who will discuss their creative careers to date including director Ken Loach, Paul Laverty & Rebecca O’Brien (The Wind That Shakes The Barley; I, Daniel Blake (2016) Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland, Touching the Void, One to One: John & Yoko) speaking with his brother, producer Andrew Macdonald (Trainspotting, Civil War, 28 Years Later), in a wide ranging conversation about filmmaking and their respective careers. Kevin will also present a screening of The Cranes are Flying (1957), a film which has heavily influenced his work.

Edinburgh International Film Festival will run from 14-20 August 2025. Building on EIFF’s reinvigorated vision under new leadership from CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, the Festival will continue to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media.

The Festival team aims to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent. Ridd is supported by the EIFF Board, led by Chair Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting; and Vice Chair Amy Jackson, producer of BAFTA award-winning indie, Aftersun; as well as Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Teresa Moneo, Former Director of UK Film, Netflix; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffrey; and Romana Ramzan, Producer at No Code Studio.

Paul Ridd, CEO & Festival Director, has said “We are over the moon that the living legend Thelma Schoonmaker will be returning to EIFF this year to present a terrific film and to talk with us about the life and work of her late husband Michael Powell, a filmmaker who left such an indelible mark on the history of cinema. Thelma was so generous with her time and insights with us last year, and graciously allowed us to lend her name to our Shorts Competition. How brilliant it will be to have her back with us this year to celebrate cinema, its past, and its bright future.”

EIFF 2025 is supported by Screen Scotland.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

SoBe Burger unveils Limited Edition Irn Bru Inspired Fried Chicken Burger for Fringe Festival

In a recent poll, Irn-Bru® claimed most votes for the flavour that best represents the nation. Now SoBe Burger unveils an Irn-Bru® inspired fried chicken burger available from 1 to 25 August.

Bongos Bingo announces Edinburgh dates during the Fringe

Anyone looking for an alternative night out during the Fringe Festival, then Bongo’s Bingo is the place to be!

EIFF announces In Conversation: Thelma Schoonmaker on Michael Powell

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is pleased to welcome legendary film editor Thelma Schoonmaker for a special in-depth In Conversation event at this year’s Festival.

Hardworking Fringe Performers to be fuelled with flavour at local world buffet

COSMO Edinburgh is stepping up to support the unsung heroes of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, its tireless, hardworking performers, by offering a meal discount throughout August.

The Eric Liddell Community unveils inspiring Fringe Festival Programme

Local charity, The Eric Liddell Community, has announced its lineup of shows and events taking place in its Bruntsfield-based hub, Venue 235, during the Fringe Festival.

Wahaca launches its first ever breakfast menu for Edinburgh Fringe

Right on cue for all the excitement of the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe, Wahaca launches its first ever breakfast menu for the entire month at its St Andrew Square restaurant.

Innis & Gunn launches new Edinburgh food, drink and entertainment venue Stockbridge Social

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn is launching Stockbridge Social, a new open-air food, drink and entertainment venue on Raeburn Place, opening Friday 1st August.

Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

With the Fringe Festival right on the doorstep, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is once again hosting a fantastic array of shows and activities!

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh unveils next Artist in Residence

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is proud to announce Jennifer Court as the latest Artist in Residence, taking up the unique creative post from August through October 2025.

Forever Edinburgh launches search for Local Legends

Forever Edinburgh is calling on residents to help shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes who make the city a better place to live.

Matilda the Musical Cast Announcement

Casting was announced today for the upcoming tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda The Musical, coming to Edinburgh Playhouse in March.

Celebrate Tattoo with Expert Bar Crawl Guide with Glenfiddich

To mark Glenfiddich’s partnership with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this August, the whisky has released a guide to Edinburgh’s most characterful bars.

Four Points Flex by Sheraton opens its doors in Edinburgh city centre

Four Points Flex by Sheraton has debuted in Edinburgh, inviting guests to enjoy a convenient, affordable and comfortable stay right in the heart of the city centre.

Flight Club Reveals its Line up of Fringe Festival Treats

Flight Club, the lively fairground-inspired cocktail and Social Darts bar, has a brilliant line-up of treats on offer to escape the hustle and bustle of the Fringe.

Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees

The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.

Top chef duo dive into first summer pop up on Edinburgh waterfront

Two of Scotland’s leading chefs are teaming up for the first time to stage a pop-up dining experience on Edinburgh’s waterfront for one night only on Tuesday 19th August.

Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events

This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.

The Palmerston and Pals kitchen takeover series launches this August

This August, The Palmerston will mark festival season by welcoming chef friends for The Palmerston and Pals, a series of kitchen takeovers taking place throughout the month.

Oasis fans who missed out on tickets can Roll With It to Fort Kinnaird

Fans who missed out on tickets to see Oasis at Murrayfield can still enjoy the iconic anthems at Fort Kinnaird on Sunday 10th August, thanks to a free live performance by tribute band ‘Oasus’.

Britannia sails to triple triumph

The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh has sailed to triple triumph after being named Tripadvisor’s ‘Best of the Best’ visitor attraction in the UK and 12thin the world 2025/26.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces industry programme for 2025

The industry programme presents an impactful series of panels and networking opportunities for local and international creatives to engage with industry experts from around the world.

Collective announces Autumn 2025 Programme

Collective is delighted to announce its Autumn 2025 programme, featuring the return of the Collective Gala on Sunday 7 September, and a major new exhibition by artist Shen Xin.

Edinburghs Hogmanay announces Night Afore Hoolie line up

Edinburgh's Hogmanay has announced the first artists for 2025's celebrations with Scottish folk rock stars Peat & Diesel set to headline this year's Night Afore Hoolie!

Five fascinating historic facts about Scone Palace... the crowning place of kings

Scone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.

Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever

Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.

Hide and Seek Gets a Mind Bending Makeover at Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth provided the backdrop today (23 July) for an unforgettable twist on the classic game of Hide and Seek delivered by visually impaired Albino mentalist Fraser Penman.

Capital Theatres announces autumn season at the Studio Theatre

Capital Theatres has today announced its upcoming autumn season at the Studio Theatre with a vibrant and diverse programme, shining a spotlight on emerging artists.

Minus 196 Takes Over St James Quarter This Weekend

Join -196 (minus one nine six) – Japan’s favourite ready-to-drink alcohol brand – as it takes over St James Quarter this weekend!

New bar and restaurant takes centre stage ahead of Edinburgh Festival

A new brasserie-style bar and restaurant has opened its doors on Hamilton Place in the Edinburgh neighbourhood of Stockbridge just in time for Festival season in August.