The Incomer opens Edinburgh Film Festival, reaches focus

“importer,” the debut film starring Louis Paxton. Domhnall GleesonYou were picked up by focus function An expo for international rights will be held again this year. Edinburgh Film Festival.

The Scottish folk comedy-drama, which focuses on the conflict between a pair of stranded siblings and a government official on a remote, windswept island, premiered at Sundance and won the NEXT Innovator Award. In addition to Gleeson, Gayle Rankin (“House of The Dragon,” “Glow”) and Grant O’Rourke (“Outlander”) star alongside an ensemble cast that includes John Hannah (“Sliding Doors,” “The Last of Us”), Michelle Gomez (“Green Wing,” “Doom Patrol”) and Emun Elliott (“The Gold,” “Sexy Beast”).

The film will be released in the UK and Ireland later this year by Universal Pictures International.

“It’s a dream come true to open the Edinburgh International Film Festival with my debut film,” Paxton said. “It’s truly inspiring to screen it in my beloved hometown and share the story of the festival I started as a teenage receptionist with Scottish audiences. I couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful premiere.”

Paul Ridd, EIFF CEO and Festival Director, added: “With its wit, grace and intelligence, this striking, unpredictable and beautifully acted Scottish debut dazzled, moved and immensely entertained us when we first saw it in January. We are delighted to open this year’s edition with a film that embodies the moving and inspiring spirit of creativity, empathy and invention in filmmaking. This is the kind of film EIFF strives for.”

The 2026 Edinburgh Film Festival runs from August 13th to 19th.