16/9/2014 - Chris Fujiwara to step down as artistic director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival

After serving as artistic director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival for the last three editions, Chris Fujiwara is stepping down from his role. During Fujiwara's tenure at the EIFF, admissions increased by 33%, reaching 46,000 in 2014. Among some of the innovations he brought to the festivals were the reinstatement of the Audience Award, the Michael Powell Award for Best New British Feature Film and the Award for Best Documentary Feature Film.

Chris Fujiwara said: "It’s been a genuine honour to work with the team in Edinburgh and contribute to the rebirth of EIFF over the last three years. However, I have decided to step down from my role at the Festival to pursue other activities.”

Bob Last, chair of EIFF said: "Chris Fujiwara's programming has reminded EIFF and our audiences of how important and inspiring it is to be challenged by technique, by content, by a diversity of view points, and by innovation.  As we reach out to wider audiences we will remain grateful to Chris for his contribution to EIFF at one of its most challenging moments."

Recruitment for a new Artistic Director for EIFF is commencing immediately and it is intended that they will be in place for the 2015 edition (17 to 28 June).  In the interim, the existing programming team, led by Deputy Artistic Director, Diane Henderson, will have responsibility for programming the 2015 Festival.