The decision was made by the EIFF’s board following the positive response to the 2012 edition, which wrapped last week.
Chris Fujiwara has been confirmed as artistic director of the Edinburgh International for a further three years.
The appointment was made following this year’s EIFF - Fujiwara’s first as artistic director - that saw admissions of just over 40,000 across the 12-day event.
He was initially appointed on a one year contract, which was due to run out in September.
Fujiwara took over as artistic director last September from James Mullighan who oversaw the much maligned 2011 edition.
He has been credited with bringing back the Michael Powell Award and the festival’s red carpet events as well as overseeing a diverse programme.
Guests in town included Elliott Gould, Jim Broadbent, Toby Jones, Ewen Bremner, Peter Strickland, along with Gina Gershon and William Friedkin who were in attendance for the opening night film Killer Joe.
Commenting on his future at EIFF, Chris Fujiwara said: “Working on this year’s EIFF has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling experiences of my career. The interest and enthusiasm of the Festival audience and the dedication and professionalism of the Festival staff and volunteers have transformed my view of the importance cinema can hold in people’s lives. I’m deeply grateful to the Board for their confidence in me, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our relationships with our audiences and with international filmmakers, distributors and sales agents.”
Chair of the EIFF board Leslie Hills added: “Chris Fujiwara gave us a superb reinvention in EIFF 2012. We are utterly delighted that he has accepted our offer to build on this very promising first edition.”
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