Kelly Macdonald opens Edinburgh Film Festival with Puzzle

21 June 2018

News image — Kelly Macdonald said it was great to open the festival

Ivon Bartholomew Kelly MacDonald — Kelly Macdonald said it was great to open the festival

The 72nd Edinburgh International Film Festival opened with the International Premiere of Puzzle, starring Kelly MacDonald.

The 42-year-old Scottish actress said it feels "great" to have her latest project shown at the festival, because people can "understand" her accent.

The Trainspotting star was on the red carpet for the opening gala.

Macdonald plays central character Agnes while Irrfan Khan takes on the role of charismatic puzzle master Robert.

The film is directed by Marc Turtletaub.

Ivon Bartholomew Marc Turtletaub — Director Marc Turtletaub said it was an "honour" to be at the festival

On the red carpet, Macdonald said: "It feels great (to be here). I'm not jetlagged, which is amazing, and also everyone can understand what I'm saying.

"When I'm doing press lines in the States, a lot of the time I'm talking and I can see clearly that nobody knows what I'm saying, I think I'll be more understood here."

Ivon Bartholomew Sophie Skelton — Outlander's Sophie Skelton was among the stars who chatted to fans on the red carpet before the screening at the Festival Theatre

Macdonald said: "I'm excited to be here and I'm excited for people to see the film.

"Even though I'm in every frame, almost, of the film it really surprised me how touching it is.

"It's a coming-of-age story, except the person coming of age is a bit older than the norm."

The 12-day festival will see 121 new features from 48 countries, 21 of them world premieres.

Ivon Bartholomew joe mcfadden — Holby actor and current Strictly Come Dancing champion Joe McFadden was at the premiere

Ivon Bartholomew Kevin Guthrie — Scottish actor Kevin Guthrie joined other stars mingling with fans at the after-party at Edinburgh University's Teviot Row House.

Ivon Bartholomew Jason Connery — Actor/Director Jason Connery is one of the jury members this year, having directed the festival's opening film two years ago with Tommy's Honour, which starred Jack Lowden as the legendary Scottish golfer Tommy Morris

Ivon Bartholomew Kate Dickie — Acclaimed Scottish actress and Film Festival regular Kate Dickie joined the host of stars on the red carpet

Ivon Bartholomew Mark McDonnell — Stage and screen actor Mark McDonnell was at the premiere.

Ivon Bartholomew Bryan Larkin — Award-winning Scottish actor, writer, director and producer Bryan Larkin took a break from filming in Hong Kong to attend the festival.

Ivon Bartholomew Rose McDowall — Spotted among the guests at the after-party was Rose McDowall from 1980s Glasgow band Strawberry Switchblade, best known for the hit single Since Yesterday which was released in 1984.