Sean Connery is patron of the EIFF

Scottish Screen - the country's national film agency - has allocated an additional �150,000 for the film festival this year.

The cash injection will unlock further additional funding of �50,000 from the City of Edinburgh Council and �50,000 from the UK Film Council.

Festival bosses described it as a "much-needed investment".

Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson said the money would ensure "that in this, its 60th year, the festival will once again present a varied programme brimful of innovative and exciting cinema".

Ken Hay, chief executive of Scottish Screen, said the festival was one of the most important in the world.

He added: "It has, for the last 60 years, attracted a wide range of international stars, productions and filmmakers to Edinburgh bringing that extra bit of glamour to the city and giving audiences the chance to enjoy a great programme of films and events.

"We are delighted to support this important festival".

Ginnie Atkinson, managing director of the film festival, said: "This extra funding is a much needed investment and is an acknowledgement of the EIFF's importance in the arts in Scotland and internationally.