Documentary on Trainspotting writer Irvine Welsh to close Edinburgh film festival

An intimate documentary focusing on Trainspotting writer Irvine Welsh will close the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Reality Is Not Enough will follow the best-selling author at a “crossroads” in life where he is “acutely aware of his mortality and accepting that his hedonistic days are drawing to a close.”

It is also said to explore the “inner and outer life” of the writer, who was propelled to fame with his debut novel focusing on heroin addicts in Leith in 1993.

From director Paul Sng, the documentary, which was previously titled I Am Irvine Welsh, has been described as a “captivating piece of autobiographical filmmaking.”

Liam Neeson, Stephen Graham, Maxine Peake, and singer Nick Cave are all expected to read from Welsh’s novels throughout the film.

The official synopsis states: “Reality Is Not Enough reveals the inner and outer lives of Irvine Welsh, one of the most original and controversial writers of our times.

“For four decades across novels, screenplays and an outspoken presence in media, the Trainspotting author has both celebrated and defined contemporary society and culture, whilst simultaneously exposing its flaws.

“In this intimate and personal documentary we meet Welsh at a crossroads, acutely aware of his mortality and accepting that his hedonistic days are drawing to a close.

“Reality Is Not Enough is an illuminating documentary offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a prolific artist at work and play.

“By exploring the books, films and shows cherished by readers and audiences across the world, it weaves a rich tapestry out of both contemporary and archive footage, conversations, music, novel readings, personal reminiscence, and his own wickedly funny musings on life.

“The film explores profound questions about what it means to be an artist drawing inspiration from the darkness within oneself, and how possible it is to leave that life on the page.”

Film festival director Paul Ridd, who is overseeing his second programme, said: “We were so impressed by this brilliantly immersive and fascinating documentary about iconic Scottish writer Irvine Welsh.

“Paul Sng’s refreshingly unusual and highly cinematic approach perfectly fits his subject, a man who has spent an entire career refusing to be pinned down, always surprising us with works of profound impact, rawness and grace.

“We could not think of a better way to round off our festival than with this terrific film”

Sng, who made the documentary with Leith-based LS Productions, said: “When I read Trainspotting as a teenager in London back in the nineties, I had no idea I would one day live in the city where the book is set, let alone make a film with its author.

“Having our world premiere in our home city is a huge honour and we’re looking forward immensely to sharing the film with the EIFF audience.”

The documentary will premier in the Scottish Capital on August 20, weeks after Welsh launches his new Trainspotting sequel book.

Men in Love will follow the iconic characters of Renton, Sick Boy, Spud, and Begbie as they attempt to leave heroin behind in search of sex and romance.