This is Edinburgh and EIFF launch programme of free outdoor cinema screenings in June

June is officially movie month in Edinburgh. In the build-up to the 69th Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) 17-28 June 2015, This is Edinburgh in partnership with EIFF, is inviting locals of all ages to a host of free outdoor cinema screenings in the Grassmarket and St Andrew Square.

Kicking off Film in the City on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June is lively, family-friendly ‘dance-along’ screenings of musical favourites such as Mary Poppins, West Side Story and Dirty Dancing, in the wonderful setting of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket. The following weekend (Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June) will see outdoor screenings return to St Andrew Square Gardens with a collection of cinematic gems, ranging from Guardians of the Galaxy and Indiana Jones, to Life of Pi and Brave.

Speaking on behalf of the city centre campaign, This is Edinburgh, John Donnelly, Chief Executive of Marketing Edinburgh said: “When it comes to creating an atmospheric, cinematic backdrop, there are few places in the world that can compete with Edinburgh’s city centre. The outdoor screenings at both St Andrew Square and Grassmarket are always incredibly popular and create an amazing buzz around the city in the run up to the world famous EIFF.”
Mark Adams, Artistic Director of EIFF said: ”We are thrilled to be staging two weekends of outdoor screenings as a wonderful preamble to this year’s festival. It creates just the right atmosphere for film lovers to get into the film festival mood.”

Bars, restaurants and retailers across Edinburgh will also support Film in the City month with a range of offers, special menus and movie-themed cocktails.

Join in the action and celebrate the best of Edinburgh’s stunning film locations and award winning blockbusters by recreating your favourite film moment in the capital, using #MyFilmMoments on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Vine. The best images and videos will be showcased at the Film in the City screenings and the winning entry will win two tickets to EIFF’s Closing Night Gala screening of Scott Graham’s Iona on Sunday 28 June.

Film in the City: Grassmarket – Let’s Face the Movies and Dance (Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June)

A packed programme of vibrant fun entertainment for film fans of all ages, Dance Base will be leading workshops and ‘dance-along’ performances throughout an exciting weekend of classic films and musicals, teaching you the moves to dance along with your favourite movies. Following the success of last year, this year’s programme is extended to two whole days of family favourites. Become a cool rider with Grease 2, street-dance like a pro to Step Up and release your inner Dancing Queen with Mamma Mia.

Special extras from Grassmarket retailers, including workshops, face-painting and one-off performances, will bring a whole new dimension to favourite dance movie moments.

Date: Saturday 6 June, from 11:30am – 9pm and Sunday 7 June, from 12pm – 9pm
Venue: Grassmarket (in front of Dance Base)
Cost: Free
Additional information: Families welcome, seating for up to 400 provided. Please note, some of the films later in the day may not be suitable for very young audiences, please check film certification for more information.

Film in the City: St Andrew Square (Friday 12 –Sunday 14 June)

The magnificent setting of St Andrew Square will once again be transformed into a giant outdoor movie arena for the full weekend. From Batman to Princess Bride, Indiana Jones to Willy Wonka, there are film adventures for everyone. Pack a picnic, grab a rug, sit back and enjoy this special cinematic experience in Scotland’s capital.

Date: Friday 12 June, 5pm-11pm; Saturday 13, 10am-11pm; and Sunday 14 June, 11am-11pm
Venue: St Andrew Square
Cost: Free
Additional information: Families welcome. Space for 1,000, but no seating provided. Please note, some of the films later in the day may not be suitable for younger audiences, please check film certification for more information.

For further details on all the Film in the City events and activity or to download the Edinburgh Movie Map visit: www.thisisedinburgh.com #EdinFilm #MyFilmMoments

The full Edinburgh International Film Festival programme will go live on Wednesday 27 May 2015 www.edfilmfest.org.uk/filminthecity

Film in the City screenings and times:

Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Grassmarket, Edinburgh

Saturday 6 June

11.30 Happy Feet (U)
13.50 West Side Story (PG)
16.50 Grease 2 (PG)
19.15 Dirty Dancing (12)

Sunday 7 June

12.00 Mary Poppins (U)
14.50 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (U)
17.00 Step Up (PG)
19.15 Mamma Mia (PG)

St. Andrew Square Garden, Edinburgh City Centre

Friday 12 June

17.00 Flash Gordon (PG)
19.00 Guardians of the Galaxy (12)
21.15 Raiders of the Lost Ark (12)

Saturday 13 June

10.00 Lilo & Stitch (U)
11.45 Brave (PG)
13.40 The Sound of Music (U)
16.45 Restless Natives (PG)
18.30 Life of Pi (PG)
21.00 Ghost (12A)

Sunday 14 June

11.00 The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! (U)
12.50 How to Train Your Dragon 2 (PG)
14.50 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (PG)
16.50 The Princess Bride (PG)
18.50 Mean Girls (12A)
20.50 Batman (15)