QUENTIN Tarantino’s favourite cinema has been banned from Scotland’s biggest movie festival because its 3D screen isn’t up to scratch.
The Cameo in Edinburgh – Scotland’s oldest cinema – has a screen specially designed for showing 3D movies in its main auditorium.
But the organisers of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) claim the screen spoils the quality of the 2D movies they show.
As a result, the Cameo has been kicked out of the festival, breaking a link that stretches back 64 years.
The Cameo’s patrons include Hollywood A-listers Sir Sean Connory and Tilda Swindon.
Django Unchained director Tarantino previously described the historic cinema as his favourite in the world after Pulp Fiction had its UK premier there in the 90s.
But the EIFF, which regularly attracts big-name stars to Scotland’s capital, says the Cameo’s 3D screen is “not compliant” with set film standards.
In France – the ultimate cinéaste nation – 3D silver screens have already been banned completely by regulatory body CNC amid claims they create light “hot spots” when used to show 2D films.
A spokeswoman for the EIFF said: “EIFF is committed to presenting films to the highest possible standard.
“The screening of 2D films on silver screens is not compliant with the standards set down by standards bodies, DCI and SMPTE. EIFF has a very long history of working with the Cameo.
“Unfortunately, the Cameo is currently using a silver screen, which sadly means we are unable to use that venue for the 2013 EIFF.
“We hope to be working with the Cameo again in the future. EIFF is very pleased to be working again with Cineworld Edinburgh in 2013 who at this time use matt white screens.”
Last year the festival hosted the European premier of Disney Pixar’s Scotland-set animation Brave, which was attended by Robbie Coltrane and Kelly MacDonald.
In 2012, the festival also attracted Robert Carlyle, Ewan Bremner, Kevin McKidd and Brian Cox.
The EIFF first started in 1947 and will celebrate its 66th year in 2013. During its time as a host venue, Orson Welles, Cary Grant and Quentin Tarantino have visited the Cameo.
Famous films screened at the festival over the years include, The Full Monty, Run Lola Run, Amelie, Pulp Fiction, Trainspotting and Billy Elliot.
The Cameo, which started screening festival films in 1949, opened its doors in 1914.
Insiders at the Cameo Cinema said issues over the cinema’s 3D screen were raised privately by the Film Festival bosses before it purchased the screen earlier this year.
No-one was available for comment from Picture Houses, the owners of the Cameo.
