Continuing its long standing tradition of unveiling the latest Disney•Pixar titles weeks before their UK releases, this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival will play host to Monsters University.
The film, which is a prequel to Monsters, Inc., will act as the festival’s Family Gala, and is scheduled to screen at the Festival Theatre on Sunday June 23, with a special schools screening taking place the next day.
Directed by Dan Scanlon (Cars), Monsters University examines the relationship between Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) during their days at university, when they weren’t necessarily the best of friends.
Joining Crystal and Goodman on the voice cast are Helen Mirren (Red), Steve Buscemi (Fargo), Aubrey Plaza (Safety Not Guaranteed), Nathan Fillion (Slither) and John Krasinski (It’s Complicated).
The 67th Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from June 19 – 30, and will be bookended by Breathe In and Not Another Happy Ending. The full programme will be revealed at a press conference on May 29.
DISNEY•PIXAR’S “MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” KICKS OFF EDUCATION PROGRAMME AT
2013 EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Edinburgh, Thursday 16 May – Edinburgh International Film Festival is pleased to announce that Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” is this year’s Family Gala, screening at the Festival Theatre in 3D on Sunday 23 June with a schools screening on Monday 24 June at Cineworld. Edinburgh audiences were the first in the UK to see “WALL-E”, “Toy Story 3”, “Ratatouille” and “Brave” and EIFF are delighted to continue their relationship with Disney•Pixar.
Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realise they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.
Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”), produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles”, “Monsters, Inc.”) and features music from future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning composer Randy Newman (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 3”). The film opens in UK cinemas on 12 July 2013.
In addition to the Family Gala and schools screening of “Monsters University”, EIFF boasts a number of events and activities for young people keen to explore the world of film.
For students aged 15-17 years taking Higher Media Studies, Media Days on 26 & 27 June will provide an exciting insight to EIFF. Each day includes the premiere of a new film and the screening of a short film, along with meetings with filmmaker guests and presentations from individuals from across the film and creative industries. Previous guests have included directors, actors, cinematographers, games designers and composers. Guests in 2012 included director Benjamin Pascoe; Noe Mendelle from the Scottish Documentary Institute; Jacqui Barr from BBC Films; director John Roberts; producer Jonathan Roe; writer Eirene Houston and composer John Lunn.
As a new initiative in this year’s programme, EIFF has welcomed a group of young people aged 15-19 years with a keen interest in film to select films under the mentorship of the Festival. Choosing both features and shorts which appeal to a younger audience, the young programmers have given this section the title ‘Not Another Teen Movie’.
The work of Edinburgh’s youngest filmmakers will be screening as part of EIFF in the Edinburgh Schools Film Competition, now in its fifth year, in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council and Screen Education Edinburgh. A youth jury has watched over 150 entries over the past three months and selected 40 films for screening at EIFF. These will be presented within a primary and secondary school focused programme for schools and public audiences.
For those who have a passion for cinema and want to learn more, Young Talents is returning for a third year running. Young Talents a bespoke programme of screenings and mini-masterclasses with filmmaker guests for 16-18-year-olds who they will also have access to press screenings and industry events at the Festival. One of the 2012 Young Talents said: “I got more out of the experience than I thought was possible! It’s amazing being able to speak to industry specialists face to face and get first hand advice”. Applications are open until 27 May.
As previously announced, the prestigious Student Critics Jury, now in its second year, offers seven young people currently studying in Scotland the opportunity to attend EIFF, learn more about the art of film criticism and present an award. The students will be mentored by leading international critics as they see films from various strands of the EIFF programme and complete reading assignments and reviews of films. They will also determine the winner of the Student Critics Jury Award, presented at the EIFF Awards Ceremony.
Chris Fujiwara, EIFF Artistic Director, said: “The development of young people’s interest in film – as students, as filmmakers, as critics, as programmers, or as discerning audiences is a vital part of our festival’s mission. This year we’re more dedicated than ever to fulfilling that mission, and I’m delighted to announce the launch of Not Another Teen Movie, a new strand in our programme designed by and for young people. We’re also thrilled that Disney-Pixar will be joining us again with their new MONSTERS UNIVERSITY.”
For applications and further information visit www.edfilmfest.org.uk/learning or contact: education@cmi-scotland.co.uk.
For further information, please contact:
EIFF Press Team, Organic Publicity: EIFFPRteam@organic-publicity.
co.uk / 0203 372 0970 The Edinburgh International Film Festival 19 – 30June 2013
The full EIFF 2013 Programme Launch is on 29 May 2013
EIFF Box Office opens on 3 June to the public, 30 May to Filmhouse Members
** To book tickets for the MONSTERS UNIVERSTY screening on Monday 24 June at 10am, teachers should call the education team on 0131 228 6382. Tickets are free and limited to 60 per school. **
