Edinburgh unveils new critics debate project

The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced a new project to bring together international film critics to debate cinematic discourse.

Project: New Cinephilia initially aims to spark conversation with essays, thoughts and ideas from critics, writers, bloggers and film makers, all challenging established modes of thinking on cinema.

Remote contributors will publish work via a dedicated microsite, launching May 17 and co-presented by online cinematheque/social network MUBI, which will host comments and discussion in its forums. Other contributors will participate in online roundtables chaired by Jigsaw Lounge founder Neil Young and Michael Koresky, editorial manager at The Criterion Collection and co-founding editor of Reverse Shot.

Koresky will join two other visiting journalists, freelance critic Eric Hynes and filmmaker/critic Jeff Reichert attending the event. Ideas and specially created exhibits will also be presented by EIFF from the project’s international contributors, who include Chris Fujiwara, Girish Shambu, Leah Churner, Gabriele Caroti, Marcellus Hall, Michael Azerrad and Mark Cousins.

Project: New Cinephilia will culminate in a day-long symposium at the EIFF on June 16, comprising six interactive sessions with topics including new critical approaches to reading film, discussions on how film is consumed in the 21st century and the role of cinema and a masterclass on starting a fanzine, blog or film journal.

The project is co-curated by Kate Taylor, a freelance programmer and magazine contributor, and film journalist Damon Smith. It takes place in the University of Edinburgh’s Inspace Gallery.

EIFF director James Mullighan said: “EIFF is the proud home of intellectual discussion around film in all its forms; this year more than ever we are stepping outside traditional models to inspire audiences with innovative approaches to presenting and exploring film.”  

The EIFF takes place 15th – 26th June 2011.