New section is aimed at engaging young audiences and programmed by a teenage team.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced a new Teen Spirit section and Youth Hub in a bid to engage young audiences and encourage new filmmaking talent. 

The films in the Teen Spirit strand, aimed at 15-to 26-year-olds, have been selected by a 16-strong team aged 15-19. During EIFF, the Young Programmers will be hosting Q&As, promoting the films and reporting from within the festival. 

The section will comprise six features and six shorts, with tickets priced at £5 to encourage younger cinemagoers.

The line-up includes:

Galore (Rhys Graham)

Ballet Boys (Kenneth Elvebakk)

#Chicagogirl - The Social Network Takes On A Dictator (Joe Piscatella)

Finsterworld (Frauke Finsterwalder)

Korso (Akseli Tuomivaara)

Violet (Bas Devos)

The short films are: Emo (The Musical); Half Sour; Letter From An Old Boy; Schoolyard; Tryouts; and Moritz And The Woodwose. 

In addition, EIFF will host number of events and activities for young people keen to explore the world of film either through school programmes for all age groups or public workshops and events.

The new programme, titled Youth Hub, will be free and will run throughout EIFF from June 19-27 at Space Club in Argyle House. Full details are to be announced on June 2 but it will include filmmaker masterclasses, careers advice, practical workshops and opportunities to network for those aged 15-26.

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