Tag: cinema

The Sean Connery Youth Talent Lab launches for applications

Unique new opportunity for young Scottish filmmakers

The Scottish Youth Film Foundation in partnership with The Sean Connery Foundation and the National Film and Television School are delighted to announce that in Summer 2025 they will be running The Sean Connery Youth Talent Lab. 

The summer school will take place near Alness in the Highlands (close to Ardross Castle where ‘The Traitors’ series is filmed) and will be free to all participants.

Designed to mirror and complement the Sean Connery Talent Lab which is coming to the end of its first year, the Youth Talent Lab will take the form of a week-long residential summer school where 12 participants will be guided through a compressed version of the original Talent Lab.

The Foundation are looking for the most talented young Scots, aged between 17 and 22 years old, in the areas of directing, writing, acting, camera and editing to produce two short films of three minutes. The programme will run from the 15th to 21st June 2025. 

Individuals will be recruited through a nationwide call for applications, focusing on existing film access organisations, schools, and youth clubs. This approach will identify young people with a demonstrated interest in a film career, providing them with the opportunity to apply.

The Youth Talent Lab aims to work with talented young Scots at an even earlier stage in their careers and support them in pursuing further education and opportunities as they enter the industry.

Teaching staff will include professionals from the Scottish Youth Film Foundation, industry experts, and contributors from The Sean Connery Talent Lab, including Chris Young (Head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab) and Alison Goring (Head of NFTS Scotland).

The young filmmakers will also have the chance to learn from recent participants of the Talent Lab on what it takes to succeed as they strive to break into the industry.

Scott Mackay of SYFF commented: ‘We are honoured to be partnering NFTS and The Sean Connery Foundation in this project.

“SYFF has been promoting young talent since inception and this initiative will help further identify and promote talented young film makers from across Scotland.’

Alison Goring, Head of NFTS Scotland said: “Across the NFTS, we are dedicated to nurturing emerging filmmakers and creating pathways into the industry.

“The Sean Connery Youth Talent Lab presents an incredible opportunity to support young Scottish creatives at a crucial stage, equipping them with the skills, confidence and inspiration to pursue a future in filmmaking.

“Building on the success of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, we are proud to be part of this new initiative and excited to see the talent and creativity that will emerge over the summer.”

Stephane and Jason Connery, The Sean Connery Foundation added: “Our father was a self-taught professional who believed there’s no substitute for hands-on learning when mastering a craft.

“The Sean Connery Youth Talent Lab will give young Scots an immersive, practical environment to develop their skills, guided by passionate and dedicated mentors from SYFF.

“We’re thrilled to support this initiative, which will challenge young filmmakers to push themselves, collaborate, and take their talent to the next level.”

Applications are now open!

For more information and to apply, visit: www.syff.scot/scytl 

FilmG celebrates its biggest awards ceremony yet

Edinburgh-based talent take home top accolades at industry event

The winners of this year’s prestigious Gaelic short film competition, FilmG, were revealed on Friday night in front of a packed audience of 500 filmmakers, industry professionals and FilmG enthusiasts at the SEC in Glasgow.

Hosted by BBC ALBA’s Siobhan Sutherland, the 17th annual ceremony showcased an impressive range of films, including drama, documentary, and comedy, in separate under-18 and over-18 competitions.

The competition’s expert judging panel awarded top prizes based on originality, storytelling, technical execution, and overall impact.

Edinburgh-based production company Riochdachadh Rambling Celt (Rambling Celt Productions) won Best Comedy 18+ for their film, A’ Cluich, which sees two musicians compete for a prime spot on an Edinburgh street.

Director, Róise Nic An Bheatha, who hails from Edinburgh, incorporated a number of her family members into the production, with her younger siblings even playing the lead roles. Róise’s recent bilingual Gaelic and Irish short film Le Chèile has also collected multiple awards after being screened at festivals worldwide.

Rob MacNeacail, also from Edinburgh, collected the individual Technical Excellence Award 18+ for his audio production of the film.

Best Drama (-18) went to Parker Dawes for Air Choire, marking another milestone for the young filmmaker, whose first commissioned film, Dà Sgadan, aired on BBC ALBA at Christmas – all while still in high school. Parker is the most successful individual winner in the history of FilmG, with this being his sixth win.

Parker Dawes expressed his excitement: “Winning Best Drama means so much to me. I loved making Air Choire, and to see it recognised in this way is amazing. FilmG has played a huge part in my journey, and I’m grateful for the support and inspiration it has given me.”

In the 18+ competition, the coveted Best Drama award went to AllanWith1Eils for their thrilling short, Falach-Fead, a twist on hide and seek that gripped the audience. Filmmaking couple Allan Crook and Eilidh Johnson are frequent FilmG entrants and similarly collected the top award two years ago.

Eilidh Johnson said: “We’re thrilled to win Best Drama! FilmG gives us a creative outlet, and it’s an honour to be recognised by the judges again. We always try to surprise the audience, so I’m really happy that’s worked, and hopefully, we can surprise them again in the future.”

Public votes determined the FilmG Choice Awards, with Glen Urquhart High School’s Am Blà… taking the under-18 prize for their witty spoof of BBC ALBA’s An Là, while content creator Lauren Smith won in the over-18 category for Gàidhlig, a’ Choimhearsnachd agus Mise, an intimate exploration of her personal connection to the language.

FilmG Project Director Murdo MacSween said: “It’s inspiring to see over 500 attend the awards to help celebrate Gaelic short films, and we’re excited to see what the future holds not just for the winners but also those who might be spurred on by what they saw.”

Maggie Taylor, Head of Publishing at MG ALBA, which owns FilmG, added: “A huge congratulations to all our nominees and winners and a special thank you to Siobhan for keeping the audience captivated throughout the evening.

The FilmG Awards continue to highlight the importance of Gaelic voices in Scotland’s storytelling landscape.”

A complete list of winners is available atwww.filmg.co.uk,and the full FilmG Awards livestream can be viewed on the BBC ALBA YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@BBCALBA/streams

Arriving near you! Adventure Cinema returns for special Summer screenings under the stars

  • The UK’s largest outdoor cinema, Adventure Cinema announces its most spectacular season to date with incredible films at new magical locations
  • Screening new favourites, from Wicked Sing-A-Long to Moana 2, along with cult classics like Bridget Jones’ Diary, Pretty Woman, The Greatest Showman, concert screenings and much more
  • Tickets are now on sale, with over 300 screenings at over 60 venues nationwide 

Returning on Friday 23rd May, with its most spectacular season ever, Adventure Cinema, in partnership with Ring, will visit more than 60 enchanting destinations nationwide, with stunning new venues for 2025, including London’s iconic Kew Gardens, Northumberland’s Alnwick Castle (Hogwarts in the first Harry Potter movie), Wiltshire’s Stourhead House, Kent’s Leeds Castle, Stevenage’s Knebworth House, Wales’ Cardiff Castle and many many more.

Whether under the stars at breathtaking National Trust sites, medieval castles or a beautiful country estate, Adventure Cinema provides a cinema experience like no other in the great British outdoors. 

From heart-warming family favourites to sing-a-long classics, adventure-packed blockbusters, and live concert screenings, there’s something for everyone.

Screening favourite feel good Sing-A-Longs like Mamma Mia!, Grease and The Greatest Showman, along with 2024’s most coveted film Wicked, Adventure Cinema will make everyone want to sing and dance beneath the summer sky. Further highlights include Moana 2, The Lion King, Queen Spectacular, Star Wars, Bridget Jones’ Diary and many more. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.adventurecinema.co.uk 

For those who love belting out show tunes, special Sing-A-Long screenings of Wicked, The Greatest Showman and Grease are sure to bring audiences together for an unforgettable feel-good night.

At a select number of locations, fans of musicals can expect an elevated experience to witness a Queen Spectacular of Bohemian Rhapsody with a classic Queen concert in tow, and an ABBA-solutely fabulous double bill of Mamma Mia! Plus an ABBA Disco.

For those who love a feel-good film, or who are looking to entertain the whole family, there will be screenings of Disney favourites Moana 2 and The Lion King, along with Harry Potter, Shrek, The Gruffalo and more.

Perfect for evenings with friends, everyone can enjoy taking a trip down memory lane to laugh, cry – and cry with laughter, with screenings of the most iconic rom-coms of all time, including Bridget Jones, Pretty Woman and Dirty Dancing. 

With more stunning venues than ever before, brand new destinations for 2025 include London’s iconic Kew Gardens, Alnwick Castle, Stourhead House, Westonbirt National Arboretum, Leeds Castle, Lincoln Castle, Cardiff Castle, Harewood House, Wollaton Hall, Knebworth House and Bolesworth Castle. With national parks, castles, stately homes and countless heritage sites, the 2025 Adventure Cinema tour is set to be the most memorable yet.

Whether packing a picnic to share with pals or to enjoy a big family outing, Adventure Cinema’s destinations also offer a variety of on-site food and drink options, so guests can relax and sit back with delicious snacks to enjoy during the show. 

Adventure Cinema are thrilled to welcome back Ring as headline partner for 2025. Known for creating innovative ways to help people stay connected to what matters most, Ring will offer attendees exciting prizes throughout this season’s events.

Tickets for Adventure Cinema start from £9.50 + Booking fee and are available from Thursday 27th February: www.adventurecinema.co.uk

Movies being shown on the tour include: 

Wicked Sing-A-Long, Dirty Dancing, The Lion King, Queen Spectacular, Grease Sing-A-Long, Moana 2, Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration, The Greatest Showman Sing-A-Long, Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza, The Gruffalo’s Child & Zog, The Gruffalo & Stick Man, Sing, Pretty Woman, Star Wars: A New Hope, Harry Potter, Bridget Jones’ Diary, Shrek, Twin Town, Notting Hill, Pride and Prejudice, The Princess Bride, The Goonies

Film fans invited to channel their inner Bridget Jones at Vue venues this Valentine’s Day Weekend

As the iconic character sets out on the next chapter of her story in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Vue venues in Edinburgh are welcoming film fans to get dressed all cosy in their pyjamas for the opening weekend of the film.

In addition to having the fun of channelling their inner Bridget, any guest who attends a screening of the film between February 14 – February 16 in their pyjamas will receive a complimentary sweet or savoury treat (in the form of a packet of Minstrels or Popworks) to share with their date, their friends – or all to themselves.

Heading to Vue on February 14, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy sees two-time Academy Award winner Renée Zellweger back in the titular role as the loveable British singleton – her first romantic adventure since 2016. After the loss of her husband Mark, Bridget, now a single mother, is stuck in a state of emotional limbo, raising her children with help from her loyal friends, including her former lover, Daniel Cleaver…

Also arriving at Vue this Valentine’s Day is Captain America: Brave New World, debuting Sam Wilson’s role as the new Captain America. Using his abilities, skill and new gear to help protect the president from a shadowy threat, expect edge of your seat adventures when this superhero epic explodes onto the screens.

In addition, two romantic re-releases are heading to Vue, the 35th anniversary of Julia Robert’s Pretty Woman and what is often described as one of the best films of the 21st century, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “A trip to Vue has always been a hugely popular choice for Valentine’s and we’re excited to welcome couples, friends and film fans to enjoy the very best in big screen drama and romance this weekend – as well as chance to gain bag themselves some free sweet or savoury treats.”

Tickets cost from £7.99 when booked online. To find out more, visit www.myvue.com

North Edinburgh Film Festival

SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY from 11 – 5 at WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

🎬 2025 North Edinburgh Film Festival – don’t miss this family-friendly celebration of film and community stories!

Presented by Screen Education Edinburgh and North Edinburgh Arts, this year’s NEFF brings a diverse programme of over 30 films – from powerful local stories to short animations and global perspectives.

📅 Saturday 22 February 2025, 11am-5pm

📍 West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

🎫Free event

Highlights include:

📽️Films from North Edinburgh – stories made by the community, for the community

🌍 Global shorts & animations, from near and far

🎭 Special performance by Curious Seed, featuring films by local artists and Craigroyston Community High School pupils

🎥 Workshops for aspiring filmmakers of all ages

The day also includes film installations and free food for attendees and wraps up with a screening of eight new locally made films. There’s plenty to explore so come and join us!

Shortlists revealed in Gaelic Short Film Competition

“Strongest FilmG Ever”

The long-running Gaelic short film competition, FilmG, has released the shortlists ahead of the FilmG Awards in March, marking the biggest shake-up in categories in the competition’s 17-year history.

For the first time, there will be no Best Film category in either the -18 or 18+ competitions. Instead, the major prizes will now be awarded for Best Drama, Best Documentary, and Best Comedy—highlighting the breadth of Gaelic storytelling talent.

This year also saw another historic change: filmmakers were not given a set theme for the first time, allowing for complete creative freedom. The 127 entries across both competitions reflected the focus behind the scenes on development and progress.

Independent judges selected nominees across 15 categories, while the public will decide the final two awards through an online vote.

18+ Shortlists

All four films nominated for Best Drama are previous FilmG winners, including last year’s Best Film winner, Kayleigh Bell.

Three films stand out with three nominations each: Mhàiri Gillies from Skye and the duo of Eilidh Chandler & Rae MacIver for their respective documentaries, along with last year’s winner Luca Kerr for his drama ‘Geama’.

-18 Shortlists

Last year’s Best Film winner, Parker Dawes, picks up another two nominations, including Best Drama.

Only four other films collect multiple nominations – Gairloch High School, Sgoil an Taobh Siar, and Portree Secondary School each received two nominations, while the Comunn na Gàidhlig group from Harris received three nominations for their comedic take on the hit TV show The Voice.

Dingwall schools also had a strong showing, with two films nominated from Dingwall Primary and one from Dingwall Academy.

Murdo MacSween, FilmG’s Project Director, said, “It’s the strongest FilmG we’ve ever seen in terms of quality, and we have very competitive shortlists.

“The public vote has also been strong, so it’ll be exciting to see which two films come out as Scotland’s favourites!”

Alongside the competition, FilmG’s workshops, clubs, and activities continue to nurture the next generation of Gaelic storytellers, providing a pathway for aspiring filmmakers to enter the world of Gaelic media.

Maggie Taylor, Head of Publishing at MG ALBA, added: “FilmG is invaluable for Gaelic media, as it showcases all the new talent coming through.

“The judges have had a tough job this year, but we’re proud of all the filmmakers who have been busy across Scotland sharing their stories in Gaelic.”

The winners will be revealed at the FilmG Awards Ceremony at the SEC in Glasgow on Friday, 7 March 2025. You can watch all the films at www.filmg.co.uk. 

Complete list of nominations:

-18

Best Drama

Cus – Gairloch High School 
Air Choire – Parker Dawes
Spògan Buidhe – Portree High School FilmG Club

Seachad – Ullapool High School 

Best Documentary

An Treasamh Sùil – Tomas Dimbleby Weber
Òran na Cloiche – ‘Dà Bhogsa agus Bogha’ & Finlay Morrison
Na Fònaichean Tha Sin..! Tràilleachd na Fònaichean – Sgoil Lìonacleit 
FORSAN – Rosa O’Halloran

Best Comedy

An Seachnadh – Dingwall Academy
Na Mèirlich – Dingwall Primary School

Dè Nì Sinn? – Sgoil an Taobh Siar
An Guth – CnaG Na Hearadh

Best Youth Group

Na Fuadaichean – Dingwall Primary School
Pantar Phàislig – West Primary School, Paisley
Muncaidh Bhreascleit – Sgoil Bhreascleit
An Guth – CnaG Na Hearadh

Power of Gaelic Award

Nuair a bha mi Òg – Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath
Seanchas na Fairge – Staffin School and CnaG
Am Plana Gaoideach – Castlebay Community School 
Dè Nì Sinn? – Sgoil an Taobh Siar

The Creativity Award

Drogh Paitchyn / Clann Dona – Bun-scoil Ghaelgagh, Isle of Man
A-mach ‘s A-steach – Oban High School

An Cluba Saidheans aig a Bh.Uas. Nic an Ceàrdaich – Calderglen High School, East Kilbride
Faigh A-mach à Seo Mi! – Dunoon Grammar School

Technical Excellence Award

Parker Dawes – Air Choire
Alasdair MacDonald – Baile Mhoire
Uilleam MacDonald –  Am Fiùran
Alex Padarowski – Duine-èisg

Best Performance

Emily King – An Guth
Eloise McNay – Geama
Lexy Campbell – Cus
Jonathan MacDonald – Spògan Buidhe

18+

Best Drama
Air a’ Bheing – Kayleigh Bell & Adam Stewart
Geama – Luca Kerr
Falach-Fead – AllanWith1Eils
Sinne, Nas Sine – Cara Turner & Kirsty McBain

Best Documentary
Coinneach MacThòmais – Eilidh Chandler & Rae MacIver
Orient – David O’Brien
Anne Againne – Mhairi Gillies
A’ Bheàrn – Jessica Deigan

Best Comedy
Falach-Fead – AllanWith1Eils
A’ Cluich – Rambling Celt Productions
Ar Eilean Breagha – Eilidh Johnston
Cunnart bho na Meanbh-chuileagan – An Clas Camelon

Best Cultural Film
A’ Tilleadh Dhachaigh – Galson Trust Estate
Coinneach MacThòmais – Eilidh Chandler & Rae MacIver
Orient – David O’Brien
Anne Againne – Mhairi Gillies

Best Music Video
Cailleach Mhòr Stadhlaigh – Evie Waddell
Tha Smeòrach sa Mhadainn Chiùin – Cashlin MacKenzie
Mhic Iain ‘ic Sheumais – Dlù
Chan Eil – Evie Waddell

Technical Excellence Award
Rob MacNeacail – A’ Cluich
Mhari Gillies – Anne Againne
Cashlin MacKenzie – Tha Smeòrach sa Mhadainn Chiùin
Rae MacIver – Coinneach MacThòmais

Best Performance
Ró Ó hEadhra – Uisge-Bàis
Evie Waddell – Cailleach Mhòr Stadhlaigh
Kirsty MacArthur – Air a’ Bheing
Rachel Kate MacLeod – Geama

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian film to enjoy this month at Vue Edinburgh Ocean

As the appetite for South Asian content continues to grow across the UK, Vue Edinburgh Ocean is proud to be showcasing films from across the region throughout the year.

This month alone, Vue is screening four titles, kickstarting with Sky Force, a gripping story inspired by extraordinary true events surrounding one of the deadliest air strikes between India and Pakistan, and Deva (from 31 January) which follows a brilliant yet rebellious police officer who uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal while investigating a high-profile case.

Malayalam movie Praavinkoodu Shappu will be arriving at Vue next week (24 January). Set after hours at a toddy shop, it follows 11 people who have stayed inside, playing cards and drinking all night. When the owner of the shop is found hanging dead in the middle of the shop, SI Santhosh finds himself caught up in a web of mysterious and strange suspects.

Also arriving this month is the Tamil crime drama Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 (from 31 January), following a loving husband and father drawn into a dangerous crime network.

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “The appetite for South Asian films continues to soar and Vue is proud to champion this brilliant content.

“Dedicated film festivals and cultural events celebrating South Asia’s vibrant storytelling, coupled with increasing global recognition and growing audience demand, have helped shine a spotlight on this incredible industry.

“We’re proud to call ourselves home to so many brilliant South Asian titles this year.”

Submissions open for Edinburgh International Film Festival

The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced that its 78th edition will run from 14 to 20 August 2025. Submissions for the 2025 edition of the Festival open today (6 January 2025) via the Festival website.

Building on EIFF’s invigorated vision under new leadership from CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, the Festival will continue to accelerate the discovery of new film talent and engage with audiences, industry members and local, national and international media.

Further details on the 2025 Festival will be announced in the next few months.

Helmed by CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd, the Festival team aims to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent. Ridd is supported by an expanding Board, including Teresa Moneo, Director of UK Film, Netflix; Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffrey; and Romana Ramzan, Producer at No Code Studio; Chair Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, producer of the iconic Edinburgh-based film Trainspotting; and Vice Chair Amy Jackson, producer of BAFTA award-winning indie, Aftersun.

EIFF CEO and Festival Director, Paul Ridd said: “Our reborn Film Festival is now a major part of the excitement of August in Edinburgh when the city hosts the biggest and best Arts Festival in the world.

“We are delighted to announce our next edition in August 2025 and cannot wait to see the submissions that will come our way for potential selection in the new year.

“For my team there is no feeling greater than discovering something truly great for audiences, and knowing so many of our 2024 films have had lives well beyond our Festival is truly invigorating. Bring it on again!” 

Criteria for submitting films to the Festival can be found via the Festival website at https://www.edfilmfest.org/submissions/ with submissions to open on 6 January 2025. More information will be released on the shape of the 2025 Festival, venues and key strategic partners in the coming months.

EIFF 2025 is supported by Screen Scotland.

Festive favourites back on the big screen at Vue venues in Edinburgh

 To mark the countdown to Christmas, some of the most loved holiday classics are being brought back to the big screen at Vue venues in Edinburgh this festive season.  

Providing a yuletide treat for film fans and families alike, this year marks milestone anniversaries for a variety of iconic Christmas films – all returning home to the big screen this November and December.  

A festive animated adventure that everyone can get on board with, The Polar Express returns to Vue on 29 November after its initial release 20 years ago. Following the enchanting tale of a young boy who goes on a magical adventure to the North Pole, The Polar Express is a charming tale about believing in the magic of Christmas which has become a family favourite over the past two decades.  

Christmas critter caper Gremlins is also celebrating an anniversary at Vue this year, marking 40 years since Gizmo and the gang made their debut on the big screen. 

In the small town of Kingston Falls, teenager Billy Peltzer gets an unusual present that comes with a lot more responsibility than he ever expected – the fuzzy Mogwai, a creature he needs to follow a specific set of instructions for or else. This beloved holiday creature comedy returns to Vue on 6 December.  

At Vue Edinburgh Omni, a true cinematic Christmas classic returns as this year also marks the 70-year anniversary of Bing Crosby’s White Christmas. This legendary festive favourite follows a group of singers who hope to plan a yuletide miracle to help a local country inn owner in a fun-filled musical extravaganza that is sure to put you in a jolly mood when it returns to Vue on 20 December.   

Some more festive favourites heading to Vue include the heartfelt romantic comedy Love Actually, screening from 13 December, and the iconic It’s A Wonderful Life, screening on 20 December. 

There’s also a handful of comedy crackers coming to Vue include Will Ferrell’s Elf, screening from 22 November, andJim Carrey’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas, screening from 6 December. 

Family favourites such as Home Alone (from 22 November), The Muppet Christmas Carol (from 13 December) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (from 20 December)wrap up the schedule of winter classics, all of which can be enjoyed at Vue with the ultimate seat, screen and sound experience. 

There’s also the opportunity to give the gift of big screen entertainment this year with a Vue Gift Card – the ultimate present for film lovers and for families looking to spend quality time together. 

A Vue Gift Card can be redeemed towards film tickets, as well as all ticket upgrades, refreshments and snacks to share whilst enjoying the best that the big screen has to offer. 

Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: ‘Christmas is all about spending quality time with friends and family, creating treasured moments to last a lifetime.

“We’re glad to be marking the merry occasion with a line-up of some of the most iconic Christmas classics, specially curated to for our customers to enjoy and help them get in the festive spirit ahead of the big day. There’s no better place to watch the likes of Home Alone and The Polar Express than the big screen.’ 

Tickets available from just £6.99 when booked online. To find out more visit: 

myvue.com 

Christmas Season Line-up at Vue 

Home Alone – From now  
Elf  – From now 
The Polar Express (20th Anniversary) – From 29 November 
How The Grinch Stole Christmas – From 6 December 
Gremlins (40th Anniversary) – From 6 December 
The Muppets Christmas Carol – From 13 December 
Love Actually – From 13 December 
Home Alone 2: Lost In New York – From 20 December 
White Christmas (70th Anniversary) – From 20 December 
It’s a Wonderful Life – From 20 December  

Napier Student Film Festival Winners Announced

Edinburgh Napier University celebrated student films from around the world at the inaugural Napier Student Film Festival, held from 13 – 15th November 2024.

The event brought together student filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts in a dynamic celebration of creativity and storytelling through the art of filmmaking. 

Award Winners: 

  • Best Film: “Yeehaw” by John Kelbie (Edinburgh Napier University) 
  • Best Documentary: “New Town” by Campbell Anderson (Northern Film School) 
  • Best Animation: “Someone Else’s Story” by Michal Lustig (Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Jerusalem) 
  • Best International Film: “Son of Happiness” by Dominik Mirecki (Warsaw Film School) 
  • Best Napier Film: “Yeehaw” by John Kelbie (Edinburgh Napier University) 

Evans Eghan, President of Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA), said: “The Napier Student Film Festival is more than just a platform for showcasing student films; it’s a hub for creativity, collaboration, and growth.

“By bringing together filmmakers, academics, and industry professionals, we aim to foster a community where emerging talents can thrive and build connections that will shape their future careers.” 

The festival, organised by ENSA, featured an array of engaging activities, including: 

  • A masterclass on “Film as Therapy” facilitated by Dr Amy Beddows, exploring the transformative power of storytelling in fostering mental health and well-being. 
  • An industry panel discussion on “How to Get a Job in Film”, offering valuable insights into career pathways within the creative sector and connecting students with industry leaders. 
  • Film screenings. A total of 25 films were shortlisted out of over 200 entries from talented student filmmakers from different universities across the UK and globally. The line-up of film screenings also included 4 films from students at Napier’s international partner universities. 
  • Networking opportunities, fostering connections between emerging filmmakers, departments within the university, and industry professionals. 

The festival culminated in an exciting awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding achievements in student filmmaking. 

The events not only highlighted the immense talent of student filmmakers but also encouraged collaboration across departments and with external partners. Attendees and participants offered resounding praise, commending the festival’s impact on fostering talent, creating networking opportunities, and elevating the role of film in education and community building. 

Looking ahead, the festival aims to become a cornerstone event within the university and the wider Edinburgh community. Plans for future editions include expanding the festival’s reach, enhancing collaborations with local creative industries, and positioning Edinburgh Napier as a leading institution for nurturing creative talent.