It was announced today that EIFF Chair Iain Smith has made the decision to leave the board of the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Smith joined the board in 2007 and took the leading position of Chair in 2008. He has been instrumental in guiding the film festival during a growth period following the UK Film Council’s investment in 2008. He has played a crucial role in shaping the Festival; bringing technology and digital initiatives to the forefront.

Iain Smith said: “My growing commitments as a producer have meant my time is limited so regrettably I have decided to step down as a board member for the EIFF. I will always have a place in my heart for the Festival and will continue to be on hand to offer my advice and support. As a producer I am always looking for new talent and there is no question that Edinburgh is the place to find the very best; I wish them and the CMI every success for the future.”

Iain was born in Glasgow in 1949 and graduated from the London Film School in 1971 with First class Honours.

His career has spanned four decades during which he has worked with the very best British and international talent; from Michael Caine and Burt Lancaster to Catherine Zeta-Jones and Liam Neeson. His many credits include Chariots of Fire, Local Hero, The Mission, City of Joy, The Fifth Element, Entrapment, Cold Mountain and Alexander. His most recent titles include Children of Men starring Clive Owen, Wanted starring Angelina Jolie and 2010 summer hit The A Team.

Leslie Hills, Chair of the Centre for the Moving Image (CMI) which now incorporates the EIFF added: “We are sad to see Iain go but wish him all the best for his future projects.. Over the last four years Iain has lent his vast expertise to the Festival. We much appreciate the knowledge and passion he brought to his role at EIFF”




Iain Smith has served on the boards of the UK Film Council, Scottish Screen, the Joint board of Creative Scotland, the Scottish Film Council, the Scottish Film Production Fund, the Scottish Film Training Trust and as a Governor of the National Film and Television School. He is currently a patron of the London Film School, Chair of the Film Skills Council, and is a director of the Children’s Film and Television Foundation. He is Chair of the UK Film Industry Training Board.

In 2005 he was awarded a BAFTA for Outstanding Achievement in Film and was made an OBE by the Queen in the 2008 New Year’s Honours List for services to film.

About Centre for the Moving Image (CMI):

The Centre for the Moving Image was created in 2010 as the new parent body incorporating the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh Filmhouse and Edinburgh Film Guild.
The CMI will act as a hub offering a platform for entertainment and inspiration across all multi moving image sectors including cinema, television, online and gaming. It will run and operate its own brands and businesses as well as provide its partners with access to a wider business to business and business to consumer audience and network.


Jenny Innes