A DOCUMENTARY on the Scottish band Travis, the world premiere of the much-anticipated directorial debut of True Blood actor Stephen Moyer and as many stars as can be crammed on a red carpet.

It’s nearly that time of the year again and yesterday the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) launched its programme for the 72nd edition of the world’s longest continuously running annual film festival.

Artistic director Mark Adams unveiled details of the programme for the event that takes place next month between June 20 and July 1.

This year the festival will screen around 121 new features, including 21 world premieres, from 48 countries across the globe.

Highlights include Incredibles 2 – the much-anticipated Disney-Pixar animation – and In Person events with guests such as award-winning English writer and director David Hare, the much-loved Welsh comedian Rob Brydon and star of the compelling Gothic drama The Secret of Marrowbone, actor George MacKay, as well as the Opening and Closing Gala premieres of the previously announced Puzzle and Swimming with Men.

This year’s People’s Gala will be the world premiere of Stephen Moyer’s directorial debut The Parting Glass, starring Melissa Leo, Cynthia Nixon, Denis O’Hare, Rhys Ifans, Ed Asner and Anna Paquin who has also produced the film. The People’s Gala is supported by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown, and tickets are only £5.

It had already been announced that this year’s festival will celebrate Scottish filmmaking, but the event is truly international in scope, and documentary films are particularly well represented this year, including an assuredly controversial documentary on Brexit.

As well as the Travis documentary, Almost Fashionable, there is a strong musical theme that runs through this year’s films, ranging from Whitney, a documentary about the life and times of the late superstar Whitney Houston, to George Michael: Freedom – Director’s Cut, narrated by Michael himself.

Audiences will be inspired by the creativity of Orson Welles in Mark Cousins’ The Eyes of Orson Welles; a film portrait of acclaimed 1970s director Hal Ashby, titled Hal; Life After Flash, a fascinating exploration into the life of actor Sam J Jones; and the topical Postcards from the 48% will also screen, followed by a Q&A with director David Wilkinson, who travelled the UK to meet people from both sides of the Brexit debate.

Adams, said: “EIFF prides itself on offering films and events that entertain, challenge, provoke, illuminate and excite, and 2018 is no exception! From the best of up-and-coming British filmmakers to striking new cinema from around the world, we offer something for everyone: from rare access to filmmakers, experiencing live events and the opportunity to see films that may never appear in the country again.

“We remain one of the world’s most venerable and acclaimed film festivals and are delighted to be able to offer audiences the chance to see some of the most exciting and innovative new film talent, in a setting steeped in history.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Over the years, EIFF has gained increasing recognition as one of the world’s most acclaimed film festivals, attracting audiences from far and wide.

“This year’s programme, featuring some of the finest productions from Scotland and across the world, continues to promote international partnerships and collaborations, enhancing Scotland’s profile as the international hub for festival engagement.

“I am delighted that the film festival received £104,000 in 2018 through the Scottish Government Festivals Expo Fund, which has enabled the best new and emerging filmmakers to develop their skills, knowledge and awareness of all stages of the filmmaking process.”