EIFF today announced that the main 2015 retrospective is "LITTLE BIG SCREEN", which will offer a rare opportunity to see some of the finest American TV movies from the 1960's and 70's.

The retrospective will include screenings of films by some of Hollywood’s biggest directors including Steven Spielberg (DUEL), Michael Mann (THE JERICHO MILE), Tobe Hooper (SALEMS LOT), and Sam Peckinpah (NOON WINE).

Niall Greig Fulton, EIFF Senior Programmer said "With this retrospective we aim to present our audiences with a selection of the most significant titles from a golden era of made for television movies in the US. It is also an opportunity to consider the role of television in relation to cinema. A relationship with an ever changing dynamic that, in this context, has come full circle in recent years; television once again becoming an acceptable and fertile environment for artists primarily associated with the big screen."

As a companion piece to "LITTLE BIG SCREEN", the Festival will also be presenting "WALTER HILL: THE EARLY YEARS". This strand will feature the complete run of Hill's classic early work from HARD TIMES through to 48 HOURS, documenting the emergence of a vital American talent on the big screen during the same era covered in LITTLE BIG SCREEN.

EIFF’s main country focus in 2015 will be Mexico. Supported by Imcine, this strand will comprise of new features and short films, as well as a selection of retrospective titles offering a glimpse into the cinematic riches coming out of one of the world’s most vibrant cinematic nations.

Continuing the Masters of Animation series, which began in 2013 with a focus on multi-Oscar winner Richard Williams, and the centenary celebration of Norman McLaren in 2014, the Festival will present a retrospective of the work of acclaimed animator Barry Purves.  The recipient of more than 60 international prizes, as well as Oscar and Bafta nominations, Barry will present a selection of his short animations and will appear in person to discuss his work as an animator, author, stage director and designer.