Paul Ridd named Director of Edinburgh International Film Festival

Paul Ridd, head of acquisitions at UK distributor Picturehouse Entertainment, has been named festival director of Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF).

Paul will be responsible for creating, developing and running the business, implementing the fundraising strategy, and delivering a budget and a multi-year plan for the festival. In addition, the festival said he will work collaboratively with the board to lead the organisation’s overall strategic direction and sustainability, develop the strategy and vision and build the wider team. Paul will join in December 2023.

“I am beyond thrilled to be joining EIFF at a crucial point in its history. I aim to lead the festival into a bright new future with world class films, world class filmmakers and engaged audiences at the heart of everything we do,” said Paul.

“In the coming months I look forward to assembling a team to deliver the festival, working closely with [EIFF chair] Andrew Macdonald and the new board to launch something fresh and different for the global scene.”

Paul started working at Picturehouse Entertainment in 2011 as a programmer for cinemas, moving into acquisitions and has been head of acquisitions since January 2022. During his tenure, Picturehouse has released films including Francis Lee’s God’s Own Country, Audrey Diwan’s Happening and Charlotte Regan’s Scrapper. A Screen Future Leader 2021, Paul has acted as a programme advisor to the BFI London Film Festival since 2018 and an international consultant for Karlovy Vary International Film Festival from 2019.