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Edinburgh International Film Festival's artistic director Chris Fujiwara has had his contract extended for a further three years.

The news comes as the festival announced it saw admissions of just over 40,000 across the 12-day event.

Fujiwara oversaw the return of the Michael Powell and International Awards and red carpet premieres.

The 66th EIFF, Fujiwara's first festival as artistic director, hosted a programme with 120 new feature films.

Mr Fujiwara said: "Working on this year's EIFF has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling experiences of my career.

"The interest and enthusiasm of the festival audience and the dedication and professionalism of the festival staff and volunteers have transformed my view of the importance cinema can hold in people's lives.

"I'm deeply grateful to the board for their confidence in me, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our relationships with our audiences and with international filmmakers, distributors and sales agents."

Leslie Hills, of the EIFF Board, said: "EIFF is an institution with a reputation for reinvention over decades.

"Chris Fujiwara gave us a superb reinvention in EIFF 2012.

"Chris, along with the excellent support of staff and volunteers delivered, with his signature intelligence, knowledge and humour, a multi-faceted programme which engaged filmgoers and professionals, students and critics alike.

"We are utterly delighted that he has accepted our offer to build on this very promising first edition."