Film producer

There is a plaque at the Filmhouse, Lothian Road

Linda Myles has had a long history of involvement in film. This started in the 1960s whilst she was still a student in Edinburgh, where she spent almost as much time in film theatres as she did in lecture rooms.

In 1973 she was appointed Director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival. She was the first woman ever to direct a film festival, as well as one of the youngest, and she stayed with the Festival until 1980.

Her next position was as Curator at the Pacific Film Archive, University of California. On returning to the UK in 1982, Linda Myles began a career as a film producer and consultant. To date her production credits include three successful films: Defence of the Realm, The Commitments (1992 BAFTA Award for Best Film) and The Snapper. She has advised on many others and, with Michael Pye, co-wrote the groundbreaking book Movie Brats.

Lynda Myles still maintains a connection with Edinburgh, visiting frequently as well as being a member of the Council of Edinburgh University Development Trust. She also acts as an advisor to the European Script Fund and is a Governor of the British Film Institute, among other bodies. She was a founder member of Women in Film and Television (UK) and was its first Chair from 1990-92.