McGill Stepping Down as Artistic Director of Edinburgh Film Festival

The former film critic of The Herald who, four years ago, became the artistic director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, has stepped down.

Hannah McGill's departure was announced just a few moments ago, in a statement issued by the festival.

Under McGill's leadership, the festival moved from August – when it coincided with Edinburgh's various other festivals – to a standalone slot in June. Prior to being appointed artistic director, she was programme consultant.

The festival's chair, Iain Smith, is quoted in the statement, as saying: “We are immensely sad to see Hannah go, but wish her the very best for her future career. She has been a huge asset to the Festival and we thank her for all her hard work over what has been a significant four years for the Festival.”

Two years ago, McGill was named in the Variety Women’s Impact Report as one of 50 notable female achievers in the international entertainment industry and was awarded the Women in Film and Television UK Talkback Thames New Talent Award last year.

The statement does not include any details as to what McGill is doing next.