Bob Last to chair EIFF parent company Centre for Moving Image

Bob Last has been appointed chair of The Centre for the Moving Image, the parent company of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF)and the Filmhouse Cinema. He replaces outgoing chair Leslie Hills.

Last, executive-producer of Terence Davies’ House of Mirth and producer on Sylvain Chomet’s The Illusionist, has a track record in production, digital animation and the music industry.

He served as music consultant and supervisor on a string of features throughout the 90s and also ran Edinburgh-based independent music label Fast Product, which first signed synthpop band The Human League.

Commenting on his new role, Last said: “I am excited and honoured to take on this role. The EIFF and Filmhouse have seeded and sustained a lifelong delight in film ever since my teenage outings in the 1970s. The Centre for the Moving Image and the festival in particular have had a challenging few years and I am grateful to the outgoing chair, Leslie Hills, for navigating the organisation back on track, under the artistic direction of Chris Fujiwara (EIFF) and Rod White (Filmhouse).”

“I look forward to doing everything I can to help the whole CMI team in their quest to see Filmhouse build its role in the life of our city and the EIFF build its international significance, continuing to facilitate discovery of cinema’s rich culture and inspire the next generation of film makers and audiences,” he continued.

Chair of the appointment panel, vice chair of the CMI, Brandon Malone said: “We are delighted that Bob has agreed to be the new chair of the CMI. He brings with him a hugely impressive track record in film and creative production, as well as a clear passion in seeing the EIFF and Filmhouse thrive in the future.”