The city of Edinburgh is preparing to host its 78th International Film Festival this year, but for director Paul Ridd, it’s only chapter two of a shiny new era.

“We think of last year as our year zero,” Ridd tells The Hollywood Reporter . “We essentially had to rebuild the organization from scratch, from the bottom and work up — a new infrastructure, a new team, a new footprint, a new office, a new board.”

Ridd took over the role as director in December 2023. Now, with one successful edition under his belt, he’s coming into EIFF 2025 with confidence. The Scottish fest has set Eva Victor’s Sorry, Baby for its opening night gala, has Renée Zellweger’s directorial debut premiering as well as the Peter Dinklage and Elijah Wood-starring The Toxic Avenger making its entrance on the cul

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