Latest news with #Trainspotting
Wales Online
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Irvine Welsh documentary to close Edinburgh International Film Festival
Irvine Welsh documentary to close Edinburgh International Film Festival The festival runs from August 14 to 20 Irvine Welsh on the set of the film Trainspotting 2 in Edinburgh in 2016 (Image: PA Archive/PA Images ) Organisers of the Edinburgh International Film Festival have announced a documentary about Irvine Welsh will be screened on the final night. The festival runs from August 14 to 20, closing with the world premiere of Paul Sng's immersive documentary Reality Is Not Enough. The documentary is said to be a thrilling and revealing exploration of Trainspotting author Welsh, following his huge success with several film adaptations and six million books sold worldwide, and his awareness of mortality. It sees Welsh, who stars in the film, take a wild journey that explores the boundaries of consciousness. The autobiographical film combines intimate observational footage, rare archive film clips and readings from his novels narrated by screen stars Liam Neeson, Maxine Peake, Ruth Negga and Stephen Graham, and musician Nick Cave. Reality Is Not Enough was co-financed and produced by Edinburgh-based production company LS Films, with the support of Screen Scotland and with Sarah Drummond as executive producer. Paul Ridd, chief executive and director of the film festival, said: "We were so impressed by this brilliantly immersive and fascinating documentary about iconic Scottish writer Irvine Welsh. "Director Paul Sng's refreshingly unusual and highly cinematic approach perfectly fits his subject – a man who has spent an entire career refusing to be pinned down, always surprising us with works of profound impact, rawness and grace. "We could not think of a better way to round off our festival than with this terrific film." Sng said: "I'm completely delighted that Reality Is Not Enough has been chosen to close this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival. "When I read Trainspotting as a teenager in London back in the 90s, I had no idea I would one day live in the city where the book is set, let alone make a film with its author Irvine Welsh. "Having our world premiere in our home city is a huge honour and we're looking forward immensely to sharing the film with the EIFF audience." Drummond said: "I grew up in north Edinburgh during the era that shaped so much of Irvine's writing, so helping bring this intimate portrait of the man behind the books to the screen has been something truly special. Article continues below "Reality Is Not Enough is raw and unexpectedly tender, and it's been a privilege to make it here in the city that connects us both."
STV News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Documentary on writer Irvine Welsh to close Edinburgh film festival
An intimate documentary focusing on Trainspotting writer Irvine Welsh will close the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Reality Is Not Enough will follow the best-selling author at a 'crossroads' in life where he is 'acutely aware of his mortality and accepting that his hedonistic days are drawing to a close.' It is also said to explore the 'inner and outer life' of the writer, who was propelled to fame with his debut novel focusing on heroin addicts in Leith in 1993. From director Paul Sng, the documentary, which was previously titled I Am Irvine Welsh, has been described as a 'captivating piece of autobiographical filmmaking.' Liam Neeson, Stephen Graham, Maxine Peake, and singer Nick Cave are all expected to read from Welsh's novels throughout the film. The official synopsis states: 'Reality Is Not Enough reveals the inner and outer lives of Irvine Welsh, one of the most original and controversial writers of our times. 'For four decades across novels, screenplays and an outspoken presence in media, the Trainspotting author has both celebrated and defined contemporary society and culture, whilst simultaneously exposing its flaws. 'In this intimate and personal documentary we meet Welsh at a crossroads, acutely aware of his mortality and accepting that his hedonistic days are drawing to a close. 'Reality Is Not Enough is an illuminating documentary offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a prolific artist at work and play. 'By exploring the books, films and shows cherished by readers and audiences across the world, it weaves a rich tapestry out of both contemporary and archive footage, conversations, music, novel readings, personal reminiscence, and his own wickedly funny musings on life. 'The film explores profound questions about what it means to be an artist drawing inspiration from the darkness within oneself, and how possible it is to leave that life on the page.' Film festival director Paul Ridd, who is overseeing his second programme, said: 'We were so impressed by this brilliantly immersive and fascinating documentary about iconic Scottish writer Irvine Welsh. 'Paul Sng's refreshingly unusual and highly cinematic approach perfectly fits his subject, a man who has spent an entire career refusing to be pinned down, always surprising us with works of profound impact, rawness and grace. 'We could not think of a better way to round off our festival than with this terrific film' Sng, who made the documentary with Leith-based LS Productions, said: 'When I read Trainspotting as a teenager in London back in the nineties, I had no idea I would one day live in the city where the book is set, let alone make a film with its author. 'Having our world premiere in our home city is a huge honour and we're looking forward immensely to sharing the film with the EIFF audience.' The documentary will premier in the Scottish Capital on August 20, weeks after Welsh launches his new Trainspotting sequel book. Men in Love will follow the iconic characters of Renton, Sick Boy, Spud, and Begbie as they attempt to leave heroin behind in search of sex and romance. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scotsman
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Irvine Welsh: Revealing documentary about Trainspotting author to close Edinburgh International Film Festival
A documentary featuring Irvine Welsh will close the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A documentary inside the life of Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh will close this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival, organisers have revealed. The festival runs from August 14 to 20, and will close with the world premiere of Paul Sng's immersive documentary Reality Is Not Enough centred around Welsh. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A scene from the documentary on Irvine Welsh | Chris McCluskie The documentary is said to be a thrilling and revealing exploration of author Welsh, following his huge success with several film adaptations and six million books sold worldwide, and his awareness of mortality. Welsh, who stars in the film, will be seen taking a wild journey that is said to explore the boundaries of consciousness. The autobiographical film combines intimate observational footage, rare archive film clips and readings from his novels narrated by screen stars Liam Neeson, Maxine Peake, Ruth Negga and Stephen Graham, and musician Nick Cave. Author Irvine Welsh tests out his DJ skills | Chris McCluskie Reality Is Not Enough was co-financed and produced by Edinburgh-based production company LS Films, with the support of Screen Scotland and with Sarah Drummond as executive producer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Paul Ridd, chief executive and director of the film festival, said 'We were so impressed by this brilliantly immersive and fascinating documentary about iconic Scottish writer Irvine Welsh. 'Director Paul Sng's refreshingly unusual and highly cinematic approach perfectly fits his subject – a man who has spent an entire career refusing to be pinned down, always surprising us with works of profound impact, rawness and grace. 'We could not think of a better way to round off our festival than with this terrific film.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sng said: 'I'm completely delighted that Reality Is Not Enough has been chosen to close this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival. 'When I read Trainspotting as a teenager in London back in the '90s, I had no idea I would one day live in the city where the book is set, let alone make a film with its author Irvine Welsh. 'Having our world premiere in our home city is a huge honour and we're looking forward immensely to sharing the film with the EIFF audience.' Drummond said: 'I grew up in north Edinburgh during the era that shaped so much of Irvine's writing, so helping bring this intimate portrait of the man behind the books to the screen has been something truly special. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Reality Is Not Enough is raw and unexpectedly tender, and it's been a privilege to make it here in the city that connects us both.' Confirmation of the documentary's inclusion comes with the Edinburgh Filmhouse - the historical home of the festival - due to reopen next month after a £1.7 million refurbishment. Andrew O'Brien / The Scotsman Scaffolding on the outside of the building has now been removed ahead of the venue's relaunch. A soft launch of the reborn art house cinema will include up to a week of screenings of major films from the past two-and-a-half years, including Brady Corbet's The Brutalist. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The new Filmhouse will include a revamped bar and cafe area, as well as an additional fourth screen, which will give the cinema capacity to expand its programme.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Irvine Welsh documentary to close Edinburgh International Film Festival
Organisers of the Edinburgh International Film Festival have announced a documentary about Irvine Welsh will be screened on the final night. The festival runs from August 14 to 20, closing with the world premiere of Paul Sng's immersive documentary Reality Is Not Enough. The documentary is said to be a thrilling and revealing exploration of Trainspotting author Welsh, following his huge success with several film adaptations and six million books sold worldwide, and his awareness of mortality. It sees Welsh, who stars in the film, take a wild journey that explores the boundaries of consciousness. BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 📢 #EIFF25 will close with the World Premiere of documentary 'Reality Is Not Enough.' Director Paul Sng follows one of the most controversial writers of our times, Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, as he explores the boundaries of consciousness. — Edinburgh International Film Festival (@edfilmfest) May 30, 2025 The autobiographical film combines intimate observational footage, rare archive film clips and readings from his novels narrated by screen stars Liam Neeson, Maxine Peake, Ruth Negga and Stephen Graham, and musician Nick Cave. Reality Is Not Enough was co-financed and produced by Edinburgh-based production company LS Films, with the support of Screen Scotland and with Sarah Drummond as executive producer. Paul Ridd, chief executive and director of the film festival, said 'We were so impressed by this brilliantly immersive and fascinating documentary about iconic Scottish writer Irvine Welsh. 'Director Paul Sng's refreshingly unusual and highly cinematic approach perfectly fits his subject – a man who has spent an entire career refusing to be pinned down, always surprising us with works of profound impact, rawness and grace. 'We could not think of a better way to round off our festival than with this terrific film.' Sng said: 'I'm completely delighted that Reality Is Not Enough has been chosen to close this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival. 'When I read Trainspotting as a teenager in London back in the 90s, I had no idea I would one day live in the city where the book is set, let alone make a film with its author Irvine Welsh. 'Having our world premiere in our home city is a huge honour and we're looking forward immensely to sharing the film with the EIFF audience.' Drummond said: 'I grew up in north Edinburgh during the era that shaped so much of Irvine's writing, so helping bring this intimate portrait of the man behind the books to the screen has been something truly special. 'Reality Is Not Enough is raw and unexpectedly tender, and it's been a privilege to make it here in the city that connects us both.'
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Ulster University decision to close Riverside Theatre is 'unacceptable', say campaigners
It comes after Ulster University (UU), which owns the 350-person capacity venue on its Coleraine campus, previously said it was reviewing how the theatre is used. In March of this year, UU suggested that Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council could take on a lease of the theatre, and also pay the annual running costs and the necessary repairs. It's understood that Ulster University has held meetings with trade unions and confirmed that the theatre will cease operations at the end of July. This decision has reportedly been made behind closed doors, with no public consultation, despite the theatre being a publicly funded space within a public university. Steven Millar from the Campaign to Save Riverside Theatre said: 'This is unacceptable. 'The Riverside Theatre is not just a university facility – it is a vital regional asset. 'It sits on the grounds of an educational institution that publicly commits to civic engagement, community partnership, and cultural enrichment. 'And yet, these values appear to be abandoned in this decision. 'With nearly 1,500 people already signing our petition, it is clear that the public feels strongly about this.' He added: 'The Riverside is deeply rooted in our local and regional identity. For almost 50 years – since its opening by Her Majesty The Queen – it has supported education, creativity, and community life. 'We are not asking for miracles. We are asking for transparency, accountability, and meaningful compromise.' He asked politicians to challenge the decision, to demand answers from Ulster University and 'stand with your constituents'. Mr Millar said: 'The community is stepping up. I sincerely hope the same is happening within our political and civic leadership. 'I want to thank those of you who have already responded and supported this campaign – but we urgently need more of you to speak up. 'This isn't just about a theatre – it's about public space, public value, and public trust.' Fears for the theatre have persisted over the years, with reports from 2021 showing its future was in doubt even then, after Ulster University withdrew a request for council funding. The theatre, commissioned by the New University of Ulster (now Ulster University) in the 1970s, has seen many Irish, British and international stage, screen and television stars perform in the Riverside. Cold Feet star James Nesbitt, who was the university's chancellor until recently, is one of the famous faces who have starred at the theatre beside the Bann over the years. He even named his winning racehorse 'Riverside Theatre'. GoldenEye star Alan Cumming, comedian and former University of Ulster student Omid Djalili, and Trainspotting actor Jonny Lee Miller have all taken to the Riverside's stage. Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson were unknowns when they played in the Bannside theatre, having just graduated from the Cambridge Footlights. Ulster University has told the BBC the building would require significant capital investment to remain in use – with refurbishment works estimated to cost in the region of £745,000, on top of annual running costs of £495,000. "In the face of unprecedented financial challenges… it is more important than ever that we focus our resources on core academic activities," a university spokesperson said. A spokesperson for the university said they have "supported and delivered this civic asset for fifty years" but "the building itself has now come to the end of its life". They said the university acknowledges the news "will come as a disappointment to many" but that they wanted to express "heartfelt gratitude to the artists, audiences, staff and supporters" who made it "such a special place for so many years". The spokesperson added that it "remains open to working with local partners and stakeholders to explore new ways to support arts and culture in the region, even as we navigate these constrained times".
