Cinetopia Recommends: 27 July -2 August 2026
Film screenings, events, opportunities and film news for the week / month ahead, covering Edinburgh, Glasgow and beyond! Helping you stay connected to the film community... 🎉
This week: A big shout out to volunteer writer / curator Lucy Harding for compiling this week’s edition of Recommends - lots of hot new films to catch up on before festival season starts!
Our summer CINETOPIA FILM NETWORKING NIGHT will be on 30 July, 7-10pm at the Blackbird, the last one before a short August break for festival shenanigans. As always, it’s free to attend and all are welcome! RSVP HERE
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Read on for our pick of film screenings, events, opportunities and industry news from Edinburgh, Glasgow and beyond!
AROUND TOWN
Film screenings & events in Edinburgh and Glasgow 🍿
EDINBURGH
FILM SCREENINGSOUR PICKS FROM THE FILMHOUSE:
Taxi Driver (50th Anniversary) (4K Restoration): Looking for some catharsis? Catch one of the most iconic and controversial denouements in modern film in the 50th anniversary screening of Taxi Driver. Robert De Niro is Vietnam vet Travis Bickle, a cabbie on a self-appointed, obsessive mission to wash the scum off the streets of New York City, waylaid by an attempted romance with an election campaigner and chance encounters with Jodie Foster’s Iris, a 12-year-old prostitute. With a screenplay by Paul Schrader and direction by Martin Scorsese, this 1976 noir is every bit as gripping and prescient as it was upon first release. 27 July, 2.30pm & 5.30pm
A Private Life: Now from Jodie Foster’s first film to her most recent: in Rebecca Zlotowski’s A Private Life, Foster’s Lilian Steiner is a celebrated psychiatrist. When she finds out about the death of one of her patients, she is deeply concerned, to the point of believing it was murder. Convinced of this fact, she begins to investigate. A Private Life premiered out of competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, receiving a 10-minute ovation. 27 July, 12.45pm, 28 July 4pm & 30 July, 12.30pm
The Last Viking: After serving fifteen years in prison, bank robber Anker (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) is determined to recover the stolen money his brother Manfred (Mads Mikkelsen) buried years earlier. There’s just one problem: Manfred, caught in an identity crisis and convinced he is John Lennon, can no longer remember where it is hidden. The brothers set off on an increasingly chaotic hunt for the missing fortune, digging up old family secrets on the way. Multiple screenings from 28 July
On the Sea + Q&A: Jack is a hand raker on the North Wales mussel beds, working alongside his younger brother Dyfan and his three sons. He has been married to Maggie for over half of his life, and he’s always assumed that their own boy Tom would join him on the beds after finishing school. However, Tom begins to resist taking the path set out for him, causing rifts to appear within the family. These rifts are widened by the appearance of a nomadic deckhand in Daniel, who makes his feelings for Jack clear, and stirs up some feelings within Jack himself. The Church and fishery are the centre of Jack’s remote and rural community - between work, love and family, he is now faced with an impossible dilemma. 29 July, 5.45pm
Interstellar: If the Odyssey has left you needing another Christopher Nolan fix, look no further. Interstellar is Nolan’s spectacular - and tear-jerking - sci-fi, featuring a star-studded cast led by Matthew McConaughey, physics-accurate computer-busting depictions of black holes and far-off exoplanets. With time on Earth coming to an end, a team of explorers undertakes the most important mission in human history – travelling beyond this galaxy to discover whether mankind has a future among the stars. 30 July, 5pm
OUR PICKS FROM THE CAMEO:
Brunello: The Gracious Visionary: An inspirational portrait of a farmer’s son who rises from humble beginnings to build a luxury fashion empire. Giuseppe Tornatore’s (Cinema Paradiso) blend of documentary and fiction traces the pivotal moments that shaped Brunello Cucinelli’s life journey, exploring his commitment to craftsmanship, ethical values and humanistic philosophy rooted in meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community. Multiple screenings from 26 July
The North: Bart Schrijver’s acclaimed drama follows former best friends and roommates Chris (Bart Harder) and Lluis (Carles Pulido), who meet up after a decade to hike Scotland’s West Highland Way and Cape Wrath Trail. Shot entirely on the route of the walk, and in chronological order, The North is a beautiful ode to friendship and the healing power of nature. It’s not only a poignant and powerful drama, but also perhaps the definitive hiking film, allowing us to take in the stunning majesty of the Highlands shoulder-to-shoulder with Lluis and Chris as they reconnect with each other and with nature. 28 July, 12.15pm, 29 July 5.15pm & 30 July 4.45pm
Some Like It Hot: Featuring one of Marilyn Monroe’s most charming roles, Billy Wilder’s comedy masterpiece showcases old Hollywood panache and exceptional on-screen chemistry. Down-on-their-luck jazz musicians Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon) find themselves out of a job and on the lam after witnessing a mob hit. With no money and nowhere to hide, a gig with Sweet Sue and her Society Syncopators and their seductive singer, Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe) – in sunny Florida seems like the perfect way to escape. There’s just one hitch: the Syncopators are an all-female band. 2 August, 12.20pm
AROUND TOWN:
Tomboy: Céline Sciamma’s second feature film is a tender study of a young child exploring their gender identity. GRASSMARKET COMMUNITY PICTURE HOUSE / 29 July, 7pm
Ratatouille: It’s everyone’s favourite rat with big culinary dreams. Teaming up with an unlikely friend, Alfredo Linguini, Remy is able to wow the customers of Chef Auguste Gusteau’s restaurant in Paris with amazing food. However, how will the diners feel when they realise the chef behind their delicious meal is a rodent? Celebrate creativity and friendship in this animated classic. DYNAMIC EARTH | 29 July & 1 August, 10am
EVENTS:
EDINBURGH: creative soundLAB: All Things Podcast: an interactive evening dedicated entirely to audio creation and podcasting. Following last year’s completely sold-out success, this event is your chance to connect directly with leading industry experts. We are proud to collaborate with top-tier podcast publishers and the Scotland Audio Network to bring you an immersive, hands-on experience. BRIGHT RED TRIANGLE STUDIO / 27 July, 6pm
GLASGOW
FILM SCREENINGS
OUR PICKS FROM GFT:
The Birdcage - 30th Anniversary: In this hysterical comedy, Armand and Albert have built the perfect life for themselves tending to their gaudy Miami nightclub. But their pastel tranquility is shaken when Armand’s son announces that he’s getting married to the daughter of ultra-conservative Senator Keeley... and they’re all getting together for dinner! Can Armand and Albert transform themselves into Mr. and Mrs. Family Values in time? It’ll take the performance of their lives! 27 July, 4.40pm & 30 July 4.40pm
Tampopo: Juzo Itami’s rapturous ramen Western returns in a new 4K restoration. The tale of an enigmatic band of ramen ronin who guide the widow of a noodle shop owner on her quest for the perfect recipe, Tampopo serves up a savory broth of culinary adventure seasoned with off beat comedy sketches and the erotic exploits of a gastronome gangster. Sweet, sexy, surreal, and mouthwatering, Tampopo remains one of the most delectable examples of food on film. 29 July, 8.20pm
Jaws: Over five decades since its original release, Jaws’ story of failed leadership in the face of a mounting deadly crisis is more relevant than ever. A local sheriff, a marine biologist and an old seafarer set out to capture a great white shark, and the movies changed forever. Be warned — you will not want to get back in the water. 31 July, 4.20 pm & 1 August, 4.35pm
Little Shop of Horrors (Director’s Cut): Seymour Krelborn is a nerdy orphan working at Mushnik’s, a flower shop in the run-down Skid Row. He harbours a crush on fellow co-worker Audrey and is berated by his boss, Mr. Mushnik, on the daily. But one day, Seymour finds something unexpected: a mysterious unidentified plant which he calls Audrey II. The plant soon grows into something very different – a talking terror with a craving for blood that quickly begins to sing for his supper (and ensnares Seymour into its schemes). 1 August, 8pm
Blue Heron: Set on Vancouver Island in the late 1990s, Blue Heron follows eight-year-old Sasha and her Hungarian immigrant family as they attempt to build a new life, only to be destabilised by the increasingly dangerous behaviour of her older brother, Jeremy. Drawing on her own memories, filmmaker Sophy Romvari shapes a deeply personal portrait of childhood, family fractures, and the fragility of recollection. Multiple screenings from 31 July
Notorious - 80th Anniversary: In order to help bring Nazis to justice, U.S. government agent T.R. Devlin (Cary Grant) recruits Alicia Huberman, the American daughter of a convicted German war criminal (Ingrid Bergman), as a spy. As they begin to fall for one another, Alicia is instructed to win the affections of Alexander Sebastian, a Nazi hiding out in Brazil. When Sebastian becomes serious about his relationship with Alicia, the stakes get higher, and Devlin must watch her slip further undercover. Multiple screenings from 31 July
AROUND TOWN
Clydeside Speaks! UCS 55th Anniversary Screening: In the summer of 1971, 13,000 Clydebank shipyard workers occupied their threatened yards for over six months and continued to turn out ships during this ‘work-in’, despite the bosses’ attempts to close the last four of the five yards in the area. Their campaign became one of the most powerful examples of worker solidarity in modern Scottish history. Clydeside Speaks will feature two films exploring the story and legacy of the Dispute, accompanied by contributions from poets, singers and activists. GALGAEL TRUST | 29 July, 6pm
Scottish Short Film Festival: An evening of Scottish Women’s Voices and Out of this World themed films showcasing local talent. Come hang out, meet fellow movie lovers, and dive into some seriously creative cinema. KELVIN HALL | 30 July, 5.30pm
How To Train Your Dragon: An affordable family-friendly community cinema screening of this animated classic, as part of The Pyramid’s Monday Night Film Club. THE PYRAMID AT ANDERSTON | 27 July, 5.30pm
Thinking Beyond the Market: A film about genuinely affordable housing: Join Dr Brian Doucet as he goes coast to coast to learn about policies, programs and projects that are helping to ensure that housing is a human right. From using public land to build non-market housing in Kitchener and Whistler, and inspiring Indigenous-led projects in Vancouver, to strong tenant protections and rent control in British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, the examples featured in this film demonstrate how many important solutions are making a difference in communities big and small. BOYD ORR BUILDING | 27 July, 6pm
Hitchcock Season: The master of suspense takes over the Grosvenor Picture Theatre for two months this summer. From experimenting with long takes in Rope to shooting in 3D for Dial M for Murder, and creating one of the most famous editing sequences in all of cinema with Psycho, there’s something for every film lover in their picks. GROSVENOR PICTURE THEATRE | Multiple screenings from 27 July
FURTHER AFIELD AND FURTHER AHEAD
Film-related treats happening around the rest of Scotland and UK!
EDINBURGH: BSL Film Club presents RETREAT: As part of Edinburgh Deaf Festival, BSL Film Club will be screening Ted Evans' Deaf-led thriller, Retreat!
In search of belonging and connection, a young woman arrives at a remote wellness retreat for Deaf people, but nothing is what it seems. A gripping debut thriller from filmmaker Ted Evans that will unsettle audiences and leave them guessing until the final frame. Billed as the world’s first Deaf thriller and made in British Sign Language with an all-Deaf principal cast and a Deaf director, Retreat stars Anne Zander, Sophie Stone, and James Boyle.
This event welcomes hearing and deaf audiences who are interested in British Sign Language (BSL). There will be a Q&A afterwards with guests to be confirmed.DEAF ACTION | 12 August, 7pm
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OPPORTUNITIES
JOBS / WORK OPPORTUNITIES COMING UP:
Member Services Coordinator at Directors UK: Salary: £32,000. Directors UK is the professional association of UK screen directors. It is a membership organisation representing the creative, economic and contractual interests of over 8,500 members – the majority of working TV and film directors in the UK. Working across our Membership department, this role coordinates and supports the delivery and organisation of our events and careers and skills activity for our Directors UK members. Apply by 27 July
Film Academy Hub Lead: Contract: Fixed term to 31 March 2029. Salary: £30,000. The Film Academy Hub for the East Midlands region is part of a British Film Institute UK-wide programme for underrepresented young people, aged 16-25, hoping to start a career in the screen industries, with a particular focus on below-the-line screen industry occupations. The Film Academy Hub Lead role will act as a regional point of contact and advocate for young people seeking careers in the screen industries across the East Midlands. They will be responsible for ensuring that young people aged 16-25 take their first step into the professional screen industry by providing an engaging programme of year-round training. Apply by 28 July
Emerging Festival Producer - Folkestone Film Fest: 10 paid freelance days at £120 per day. Work from 10 September, including the four festival days (22–25 October) in Folkestone. Apply by 29 July.
Reclaim the Frame Operations & Programmes Coordinator: Contract: Fixed term to 31 March 2027. Salary: £30,000 FTE (£24,000 pro rata). Reclaim The Frame are looking for an Operations & Programmes Coordinator to help keep Reclaim The Frame running smoothly and support the delivery of programmes, events and organisational activity. Apply by 29 July
Social Media Executive for Cinematik: Cinematik is an independent UK company rooted in cinema. They connect audiences with independent and alternative film screenings, and work with filmmakers, distributors and venues to help great films find their audience. Apply by 31 July
Trustee for SQUIFF (Voluntary): The Scottish Queer International Film Festival aims to appoint 5 Trustees, including one young person and one member/former member of SQIFF’s Queer Filmmaking Group. Apply by 5 August
Projects & Operations Officer (Maternity Cover) at Manipulate Arts: Salary: £30k per annum. This is a key role in the Manipulate Arts team, offering co-ordination support across the full portfolio of the organisation’s projects alongside consistent administrative support. Apply by 11 August
International Youth Film Jury Member (Volunteer): Wicked Wales International Youth Film Festival is looking for people aged 16-29 to become Jury Members for the upcoming edition of their festival. Apply by 16 August
Volunteer Opportunities for Women Over Fifty Film Festival 2026: The Women Over Fifty Film Festival (WOFFF) celebrates the achievements, creativity and stories of older women on screen and behind the camera. Through film, conversation and community, WOFF champion the voices of women over 50 and creates opportunities for audiences, filmmakers and industry professionals to connect across generations. Multiple roles available. Apply by 3 August.
Project Manager at GMAC Film: Salary: £22,500 per annum (Actual Pro-rated Salary). GMAC Film is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Project Manager to join our team based in Glasgow. It’s a challenging and exciting time for GMAC as we embark on a new strategy to grow and develop the company and settle into our new home in The Pyramid at Anderston. As Project Manager, you will manage a team of freelancers toward the successful development, delivery, and evaluation of high-quality and diverse projects for GMAC Film. Apply by 5 August
Festival Videographer for PRIFF UK: Salary: £100 per day, 2-3 days of work expected. The videographer will work with the festival team to create video content that showcases the festival experience, including filmmaker interviews, guest conversations, event coverage, and promotional footage. Apply by 30 July
HippFest Producer (Freelance): Salary: 89 days @ £165 - £180 p/d dependant on experience. This role will oversee all production aspects of the Festival and work as part of the friendly and dedicated HippFest 2027 team. Term: Temporary contract, Mon 14 Sep 2026 to Fri 1 Oct 2027. Apply by 10 August
CALL FOR ENTRIES:
Glasgow Short Film Festival: The 20th edition of Glasgow Short Film Festival will take place 17-21 March 2027.We are currently inviting submissions to two categories: Scottish Short Film Award: Films are considered eligible for the Scottish competition if at least two of the following key positions: director, writer, producer – are filled by one or more people resident in Scotland. Bill Douglas Award for International Short Film Award: Any film not eligible for the Scottish competition is eligible for the International Competition. Early bird deadline 4 August
Open Call for Moving Image Works: Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) presents The Whole and The Hole, a new exhibition of moving image works exploring the void of the hole. Opening this October at Dalkeith Palace, the exhibition offers an opportunity for moving image artists and film-makers to show their work. Apply by 31 August
FUNDING:
Creative Scotland Crowdmatch Fund: Creative Scotland is offering match funding of up to £10,000 for Scotland-based artists, creators and cultural innovators who are raising funds for eligible artistic and creative projects. Apply by 30 September
UK/IRL Culture Connects Grant 2026/27: This programme supports artistic collaboration between Ireland and the four nations of the UK, connecting emerging artists and creative practitioners to develop ideas through in-person exchange. By British Council Ireland. Applicants can request up to €3,000 (smaller amounts are also eligible). Apply by 31 July.
COURSES & WORKSHOPS:
Animatic 2026/27 Talent Lab - Glasgow Film Festival: Glasgow Film Festival: Animatic, now in its fourth year, is an innovative talent development lab for Scottish-based creative teams and studios, designed to help develop animated films and TV shows. Partnering with leading animation and screen industry organisations, participants will engage in an intensive programme of workshops to refine their projects. The lab will culminate in a Live Pitch at GFF27’s Industry Focus, where participants will present their projects to an expert panel. Apply by 14 August
Animation Academy: Animation Academy is an online course for 16 – 25 year olds across Scotland! Are you interested in animation, visual storytelling or curious about a career in the film industry? Work together to watch, experiment and create animation. Apply by 11 September
NEWS:
Film stories, productions, news, reports, industry insights, and other tidbits that have caught our attention this week!
Max Minghella, Prano Bailey-Bond among Edinburgh International Film Festival industry speakers
Programme announced for 4th edition of LandxSea - Scotland’s Environmental Film Festival
Meta glasses banned by Comic-Con promoter after ‘secret filming’
Film Festivals currently running / coming up:
Edinburgh International Film Festival / 13 - 19 Aug 2026 / Edinburgh
Venice International Film Festival / 2-12 September / Venice, Italy
Montrose Landxsea Film Festival / 11-13 September / Montrose, Angus
Sea Change Film Festival / 18-23 September / Island of Tiree, Scotland
Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival / 1-9 October / Edinburgh