The Sean Connery Foundation sponsors world class new features Competition Prize at relaunched Edinburgh International Film Festival

The Sean Connery Foundation has come on board the 2024 Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) to establish The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence, a £50,000 award to a single filmmaker as part of a new features competition prize at the centre of the relaunched festival.

The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence creates an exciting platform to showcase today’s most talented filmmakers by linking their success to the legacy of Scotland’s most famous global star. From August 15-21, 10 world-premiere feature films will compete for the cash prize, to be determined by audience vote. Criteria for submitting films to the Festival can be found at www.edfilmfest.org and submissions are now open.

Paul Ridd, EIFF Festival Director said:

‘Sean Connery was a vital patron of EIFF, consistently showing up to support new talent and gracing countless red carpets. He loved Edinburgh and he loved the festival. We are thrilled to establish the prize to honour this iconic Scottish star and we are immensely moved by the generosity of The Sean Connery Foundation, an organisation which shares our respect for cinema history and excitement for its future.’

Stephane Connery, Sean Connery Foundation Chair has said:

‘From the moment we launched the Sean Connery Foundation, we have been focused on expanding opportunities for talented young people from Scotland to access rewarding careers in the film industry, particularly those who face disadvantage. Investing in a revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival is another piece of that puzzle, providing a local showcase for global talent, where young Scots can find inspiration, mentors, and role-models to fuel their own film-education journey. My only wish is that Sean could join us to award the prize himself; he would have loved it.’

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