2013 THE GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S FESTIVALS
30 OCT–2 NOV
FACLAN: THE HEBRIDEAN BOOK FESTIVAL FAMILY / LITERATURE An Lanntair Arts Centre and Cinema, Stornoway, 01851 703307, faclan.org
Since moving beyond the equinox to the cusp of winter and focusing on themes such as Second Sight, the Supernatural and Blood, Belief and Pilgrimage this festival at An Lanntair has attracted major names. Drawing on its location in the Gaelic heartland it has also diversified, featuring silent and archive film with live piano accompaniment and exhibitions.
dialogue, and have 48 hours to make a film, start to finish. All films are professionally screened, and the winning film-maker wins a trip to Filmapalooza in the USA. LATE OCT–NOV TBC
AFRICA IN MOTION FILM FESTIVAL FILM & TV Various venues, Edinburgh & Glasgow, africa-in-motion.org.uk
Dedicated to showing the diversity of African cinema, AiM has screenings of animated films, features, shorts and documentaries, as well as a short film competition to develop the next generation of African filmmakers.
31 OCT
SAMHUINN FIRE FESTIVAL HERITAGE / THEATRE & DANCE Royal Mile, Edinburgh, beltane.org
Hosted by Beltane Fire Society, the Samhuinn Fire Festival celebrates the Celtic New Year, marking the end of summer and welcoming the onset of winter. It takes the form of a stunning torchlit procession down the Royal Mile with acrobatics, fireworks, beautiful costumes and breathtaking performances, all set to the collective beats of 40 drummers. TBC OCT
48 HOUR FILM PROJECT FILM & TV Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow, 48hourfilm.com
Scotland’s most popular filmmaking event, having inspired the creation of over 239 new Scottish shorts in the past five years. Participants are given a character, prop and line of
TBC OCT
EDINBURGH INDEPENDENT & RADICAL BOOK FAIR FAMILY / LITERATURE / POLITICS Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh, 0131 662 9112, word-power.co.uk
Five days of free readings and discussions plus bookstalls with an emphasis on small and independent presses and writings from outside the mainstream. TBC OCT
THE EDINBURGH WORLD JUSTICE FESTIVAL POLITICS Various venues, Edinburgh, ewjf.org.uk
Set up after the Make Poverty History march in Edinburgh during the 2005 G20 meeting, the festival aims to raise the profile of international justice and development issues with a series of talks and events.
SPOTLIGHT ON . . . PREVIOUSLY... SCOTLAND’S HISTORY FESTIVAL Bringing the past to the present Previously . . . takes visitors on a journey back through time to make Vikings and Victorians fun and accessible. Still relatively young at three years old, its own history reads like a victory as it grows in size and popularity each year. Based in Edinburgh the festival begins with a day dedicated to Robert Louis Stevenson. Expect moustache-flashing, readings and eerie goings on a plenty in the streets of Auld Reekie. Then follows 18 days of historical homage in Edinburgh’s museums, galleries, libraries, universities, pubs, cafés and landmarks. There are author events, debates, family adventures and activities, all with a focus on the titbits of Scottish history hidden deep in the nooks of the nation. If you’ve got any energy left after all that, there are also teas and tours, exhibitions, theatre, comedy and photography events to visit. (Jen Bowden) ■ Various venues, Edinburgh, 13–30 Nov, historyfest.co.uk
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