RICO (The Richard Demarco Story)

Brian Cox (HBO's SUCCESSION) narrates the acclaimed feature documentary celebrating the life of Professor Richard Demarco, the iconic Scottish artist, teacher and pioneer of the Edinburgh Festival. Film-maker Dr Marco Federici delves deep into the legendary Demarco Archive and creates a love letter to the heyday of the Edinburgh Festival. Spanning seven turbulent decades, the film uses previously unseen footage and images to chart Demarco's journey in three chapters - from his childhood trials as an Italo-Scot in Edinburgh during WWII, to becoming co-founder of the Traverse Theatre and groundbreaking gallery director. Richard crossed the Iron Curtain dozens of times, building a new cultural dialogue between Scottish artists and the Eastern Bloc during a time when the art establishment and political class appeared to have no interest. He brought names such as Marina Abramovic and Joseph Beuys to the festival long before they would become contemporary art superstars. The film examines the Demarco Archive today and Richard's mission to secure a permanent home for his incredible collection of art, writings and photography, following Demarco to Italy, Romania and across Scotland. Featuring contributions from Brian Cox, Marina Abramovic, Andrew Marr and Sir Nicolas Serota.