When talking about such a boom-or-bust business as the film industry one never wants to boast too loudly, but it should be a mark of quiet pride that this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival will have such a strong Scottish accent.

This year it opens with Robert Carlyle's directorial debut The Legend of Barney Thomson, set in Glasgow and will close with Scott Graham's film Iona. In between Scottish actors, Scottish musicians and even a Scottish sportsman (in the shape of cyclist Graeme Obree who is coming to the capital with his documentary Battle Mountain) will all have a role to play in the festivities.

Add that to the fact that Hollywood studios are taking an increasing interest in Scotland as a location means things look hugely encouraging for the industry and those who work in it in Scotland. Now if the government and Scottish Enterprise can finally firm up plans for a custom-made studio, things will truly be looking up.

Of course it is not the film festival's prime job to boost the Scottish film industry. Rather, it is a vehicle to remind us of the power and artistry of cinema as an art form. No doubt there will be great films to discover from Europe, America and Africa too. Cinema remains a global language. That, though, is all the more reason to ensure we continue to be part of the conversation.