I have a soft spot for Edinburgh International Film Festival. Not just because it’s a great festival of films and inclusive and welcoming, but because I volunteered here for 3 years back in the day when I was first making short films… And so 15 years later, when ‘dead good’ and me were invited to take part in the festival’s cutting edge scheme ‘Distribution Rewired’ I was chuffed. For two days during the festival the scheme is dedicated to developing communication and collaboration between filmmakers and film distribution professionals working with new/emerging distribution methods. 10 chosen filmmakers and a host of others, had non-stop panels, back-to-back meetings, 1-2-1 sessions and excellent networking opportunities providing attendees with direct access to key representatives from a variety of companies informing them on diverse distribution methods including self-distribution, direct distribution and mixed models which combine conventional sales and distribution with direct distribution with the aim of forging future collaborations. Needless to say I learnt a huge amount. And am in discussions with various organisations as we plan the strategy for distribution… watch this space (it takes a long time is what I’ve also learnt…). So grateful to EIFF and those that organise such a brilliant and generous scheme.