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.
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