cinema – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Vue venues to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X-Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.

Marking 25^th anniversary of their big screen debut, Marvel’s mutant team-up including favourites such as Cyclops, Storm, Professor X and a career defining role for Hugh Jackman as Wolverine has gone on to become one of the genre’s most beloved franchises with some of the cast even returning in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.

Back from today, Friday 16 May, X-Men and X-Men 2 introduces us to the world of the X-Men as Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and his band of heroes must protect the world, and mutant-kind themselves, from the evil forces such as Sabretooth, William Stryker and the legendary villain Magneto (Ian McKellan).

Revisiting the origins behind the friendship and mortal adversary between Professor X and Magneto (this time played by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender), X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past dives back into the 1960’s & 70’s to explain how the team originally learned how to control their powers and got together from Friday 6 June.

The series most acclaimed spin-offs will also be returning to the big screen as the beloved final tale starring Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine Logan, sees the character embark on a claws out adventure with a mysterious young girl who is showing similar mutant powers to him on Friday 13 June.

Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “With fantastic stories and climatic action sequences, superhero films have easily become one of the most popular genres to catch up on the big screen.

“That’s why we’re hugely excited to bring one of the first franchises to start it all, The X-Men, back to Vue – offering a way for families and fans to enjoy their favourite mutant moments on the big screen.

“Whether you’re a fan of the original films, the prequels versions of the team or just excited to rewatch these adventures before the X-Men show up in the MCU with Avengers: Doomsday next year, we welcome fans to enjoy these films as they’re meant to be seen on the big screen at Vue.’

Tickets start from just £7.99 when booked online.

To find out more, visit myvue.com

X-Men Back on the Big Screen season

X-Men (25^th anniversary) – From 16 May
X2 – From 16 May
X-Men: First Class – From 6 June
X-Men: Days Of Future Past – From 6 June
Logan – From 13 June

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 announces World Premiere of Ben Wheatley’s secret new film BULK

BULK to open Festival’s Midnight Madness strand

EIFF runs from 14 – 20 August 2025

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced the world premiere of Ben Wheatley’s ingenious new film BULK as the opening night film of the Festival’s Midnight Madness strand.

Produced by Andy Starke of Rook Films and financed by Film4, BULK marks a return to the thrillingly free-spirited filmmaker’s homegrown, kaleidoscopic works In The Earth and A Field in England. Executive producers for Film4 are Ollie Madden and David Kimbangi.

BULK will be presented as part of EIFF’s Midnight Madness strand which runs throughout the Festival and unleashes the very best in new genre cinema from around the world.

Edinburgh International Film Festival will run from 14-20 August 2025. Building on EIFF’s reinvigorated 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.

Paul Ridd, CEO and Festival Director of EIFF, said “I have been sworn on pain of death to not give too much away about BULK!

“Suffice it to say this is a truly unique film that took our breath away then fried our brains. We could not think of a better way for us to launch the second year of Midnight Madness at EIFF than with a new trip from a true visionary of cinema.

“It is guaranteed to bring the house down in August. Bring it on!”

Ben Wheatley said: “I’m very excited and proud to be premiering BULK at Edinburgh International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness.

“This is a midnight film through and through. Car chases, gun fights, sci-fi and romance. Thanks to Edinburgh for having us. It’s going to be a wild night.”

Ollie Madden, Director of Film4 comments: “Ben Wheatley is one of a kind, and BULK is truly the result of his unique and brilliant filmmaking brain.

“It was an honour to work with him on this secret project, for which Midnight Madness at EIFF is the perfect launchpad. Can’t wait for it to surprise and delight audiences in the way it did us!”

Helmed by CEO and Festival Director Paul Ridd and Festival Producer Emma Boa, the Festival team aims to create a world-class showcase for independent film and filmmaking talent.

Ridd is supported by the EIFF Board, led by 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; as well as Peter Rice, former Chairman of General Entertainment at Disney and President of 21st Century Fox; Teresa Moneo, Director of UK Film, Netflix; Isla Macgillivray, Partner at Saffrey; and Romana Ramzan, Producer at No Code Studio.

More information will be released on the 2025 Festivalin the coming weeks.

Major boost for mobile cinema

£500,000 funding to Screen Machine

Funding has been announced enabling an order to be placed for a new Screen Machine mobile cinema serving rural communities across Scotland.

The £500,000 Scottish Government grant allows Regional Screen Scotland (RSS) to order a new vehicle to take films to 44 locations in areas including the Highlands and Islands, Moray and North Ayrshire.

After the previous 80-seat vehicle was retired in 2023 following 18 years and 250,000 miles on the road, RSS started fundraising for a permanent replacement costing £1.7 million. A leased vehicle is currently continuing the service until April 2026.

The new machine will be energy efficient with the ability to charge via solar panels and battery packs, instead of a diesel generator.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The Screen Machine service is a hugely important asset, bringing cinema to the doorsteps of people in many rural and island communities.

“It has proved its worth over 26 years, providing entertainment that town and city residents take for granted. In doing so it enriches people’s lives and plays a part in tackling rural depopulation.

“This grant allows Regional Screen Scotland to order a new, bespoke vehicle able to use Scotland’s ferry network and negotiate our rural roads. I wish the organisation well as it continues efforts to reach its fundraising target.”

Regional Screen Scotland interim Chief Executive Simon Drysdale said: “This generous grant from the Scottish Government completely transforms our fundraising campaign to raise the money required to build a new Screen Machine. We can now plan with greater confidence for a service that will be secured into the 2040s.

“Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported our campaign so far, from Screen Scotland to the Arran Trust, customers of the Newtonmore Grill, letter-writing children in Barra and many, many more.”

CINEWORLD ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER 4DX FAMILY DAY

SUNDAY 18th May

£4 TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

4DX FAMILY DAY TO TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY 18 MAY
CLASSIC FAMILY TITLES IN 4DX: MOANA, PADDINGTON & HARRY POTTER
ONE-DAY EVENT TO BE HELD ACROSS ALL 4DX CINEMAS NATIONWIDE

Get ready for a family adventure like no other! Cineworld is excited to launch its first-ever 4DX Family Day on Sunday 18 May at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide – with tickets available now for just £4/€4 (online, including booking fee).

Available only at Cineworld, 4DX is a thrilling multisensory experience, featuring motion-synchronised seats, gusts of wind, sprays of water, aromatic scents, bubbles, fog and strobe lighting, bringing every scene to life in the comfort of your seat. For one day only, families across the UK and Ireland can dive into some of the most beloved family classics in an entirely new way.

Film line-up for 4DX Family Day:

Moana (2016) – 10:00am
Paddington (2014) – 12:30pm
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) – 2:45pm

For the first time ever, Moana and Paddington will be brought to life in 4DX – with ocean sprays, tilting seats and sea breezes pulling you into Moana’s voyage, and bursts of air, playful splashes and sweet peach aromas capturing Paddington’s every marmalade mishap. Plus, the magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will sweep through the auditorium with swirling winds, rumbling seats and spellbinding effects like fog, bubbles and snow.

Adding even more magic to the day, participating cinemas will also host a range of family-friendly activities in the foyer, including bubble-blowing fun and temporary 4DX tattoo stations – perfect for young adventurers. All adults must be accompanied by a child – young explorers lead the way!

Casey Cohen, VP of International Marketing at Cineworld, said: “We are thrilled to launch our first-ever 4DX Family Day, where seats move, oceans splash, and marmalade mischief fills the air.

“4DX is hands down, the most fun you can have as a family in a cinema – like a multisensory rollercoaster ride, but with popcorn.

“On Sunday, May 18th, experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter like never before, in 4DX. Get ready for the ride of your life – you’re welcome!”

Tickets for 4DX Family Day are available now via the Cineworld website and Cineworld app.

#Experience4DX

#4DXFamilyDay

Cineworld 4DX Sites:

Aberdeen – Union Square
Ashford
Ashton-under-Lyne
Barnsley
Basildon
Belfast
Birmingham – Broad Street
Bracknell
Broughton
Cardiff
Cheltenham
Crawley
Didsbury
Dublin
Edinburgh
Glasgow – Renfrew Street
Hull
Ipswich
London – Enfield
London – Feltham
London – Leicester Square
London – The O2 Greenwich
London – Wandsworth
London – Wembley
Milton Keynes
Newcastle upon Tyne
Newport Wales – Spytty Park
Plymouth
Rushden Lakes
Sheffield
Stevenage
Swindon – Shaw Ridge
Telford
Wolverhampton

MAY BANK HOLIDAY ALERT: NEW BLUEY COLLECTION IN THE CINEMA

Following the great box office and family audience success of Bluey at the Cinema: Family Trip Collection, Vue Lumière is releasing a second Bluey adventure on the big screen. Bluey at the Cinema: Let’s Play Chef Collection will be playing in over 500 cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3^rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

Bluey at the Cinema: Let’s Play Chef Collection is an hour-long treat courtesy of BBC Studios and Ludo Studios, made up of eight episodes from the TV show’s three series, all based around the fun of food. The compilation will showcase memorable moments such as Takeaway, Fancy Restaurant, and highlight the Heeler’s skills in the kitchen with episodes such as Omelette and Duck Cake.

Commenting on the new and continued offer of Bluey in cinemas, Johnny Carr, Head of Event Cinema and Distribution, Vue Lumière said: “Following the tremendous success of Bluey at the Cinema: Family Trip Collection, which garnered over 250k admissions at the box office last summer, we’re delighted to announce this unmissable cinema event – the world’s leading animated series and global phenomenon – for the May Bank Holiday weekend and beyond.”

Vue Lumière is the new film distribution division of Vue, bringing the best of independent and international films directly to audiences. Launched in 2024 with the release of the Italian break-out There’s Still Tomorrow and family hit Bluey at the Cinema: Family Trip Collection, the company is now building a slate for 2025 with the aim of releasing 10-12 films per year in the UK and Ireland – and ultimately beyond to other Vue territories. Vue is one of the world’s leading cinema operators, managing the most respected brands and spanning eight countries with 223 sites and 1959 screens.

About Bluey

The series follows Bluey, a loveable, inexhaustible, Blue Heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighbourhood into her world of fun.

Bluey is created and written by Joe Brumm and produced by Emmy® Award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC KIDS (Australia) and co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios Kids & Family. Financed in association with Screen Australia, Bluey is proudly 100% created, written, animated, and post produced in Brisbane Queensland, Australia, with funding from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland and the Australian Government. BBC Studios Kids & Family hold the global distribution and merchandise rights.

In Australia, the show is broadcast on ABC. The series airs and streams to U.S. and global audiences (outside of Australia, New Zealand and China) across Disney Channel, Disney Jr. and Disney+ through a global broadcasting deal between BBC Studios Kids & Family and Disney Branded Television.

Bluey has won multiple craft and production awards around the world, including the 2019 International Emmy Kids Award and a 2022 BAFTA Children & Young People Award in the International category. In 2024 alone, Bluey won a Peabody Award, Television Critics Association (TCA) Award for “Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Programming” and a Rose d’Or award in the “Children & Youth” category, and many others.

Escapes returns to a cinema near you!

Grab FREE tickets to watch Nicolas Cage thriller The Surfer ahead of its official release date

• Free preview screenings of The Surfer in over 100 cinemas across the UK ahead of its official release. Part of Escapes, encouraging all to experience the beauty of their local independent cinema

• Escapes is now offering screenings over two dates The Surfer preview on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 April

• Over 110,000 free cinema tickets have been claimed to date through the Escapes initiative, which began in February 2024

Escapes, supported by the BFI awarding National Lottery Funding, continues its mission to bring independent cinema to audiences across the UK with its next major screening event over two dates in April.

Following the success of previous free screenings, Escapes is excited to announce The Surfer, starring Academy Award-winner Nicolas Cage, as its highly anticipated next film, with free previews available nationwide on Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th April ahead of its official release in the UK (UK release date 09.05.25).

Directed by Lorcan Finnegan, The Surfer tells the gripping story of a man who returns to the sun-drenched beach of his childhood, hoping to share the joy of surfing with his son.

However, his visit takes a dark turn when he is confronted and humiliated by a group of powerful locals. As tensions rise with the searing heat of the summer, he is drawn into an escalating conflict that will push him to the very edge.

Featuring an intense lead performance by Nicolas Cage, alongside Julian McMahon as the formidable antagonist, The Surfer is a psychological thriller packed with sun, surf, and suspense.

Escapes is shining a spotlight on the charm and uniqueness of independent cinema, and has provided over 110,000 free cinema tickets across the UK since it launched in February 2024.

From Nottingham’s Savoy Cinema, the only pre-Second World War cinema still standing in the city, to Whitley Bay’s Jam Jar, Glasgow’s Omniplex, and many more, Escapes will be screening The Surfer at over 100 cinemas nationwide on both Monday 28 April and Tuesday 29 April.

Whether you’re looking to share a memorable experience with loved ones or simply enjoy a feel-good film, this screening promises to be a fantastic evening of entertainment, celebrating the magic of independent films and cinemas across the UK.

With past successful screenings including heartwarming dramedy The Penguin Lessons with Steve Coogan, family friendly favourite The Sloth Lane, and inspiring biopic Mr. Burton, Escapes continues to spotlight the power of independent storytelling. Whether you’re a longtime Nicolas Cage fan or simply looking for an unforgettable night at the movies, this screening promises to be an electrifying cinematic event.

Tickets for The Surfer are FREE and available now at: https://escapes.cinematik.app/

Escapes confirmed locations

England
Acton, Ambleside, Barnstaple, Battersea, Bethnal Green, Birmingham, Blackburn, Bodmin, Bolton, Borehamwood, Boston, Bridgwater, Bristol, Burnham On Crouch, Burnley, Bury St Edmunds, Burgess Hill, Catterick, Chippenham, Chorley, Cleethorpes, Coleford, Corby, Croydon, Doncaster, East Dereham, East Finchley, East Riding, Elland, Fakenham, Fareham, Farnham, Folkestone, Gloucester, Goole, Grantham, Hayes, Helston, Herne Bay, High Wycombe, Hull, Ilfracombe, Ipswich, King’s Lynn, Kingsbridge, Leeds, London, Louth, Lytham St Annes, Mablethorpe, Malvern, Manchester, Mile End, Morecambe, New Brighton, Nottingham, Okehampton, Penrith, Plymouth, Redcar, Richmond, Rochdale, Romford, Sheffield, St Austell, St Ives, Stowmarket, Sunderland, Sutton, Tiverton, Torquay, Truro, Ulverston, Uttoxeter, Wakefield, Wellington, Weston-Super-Mare, Weymouth, Whitley Bay, Widnes, Wisbech, Woking, Woodhall Spa, Workington, Worthing, Wotton, Worksop

Scotland
Aberfeldy, Annan, Ayr, Bo’ness, Clydebank, Cumbernauld, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Greenock, Kirkwall, Montrose, Portree, Stirling, Thurso

Wales
Aberystwyth, Barry, Brynamman, Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Neath, Port Talbot, Prestatyn.

Northern Ireland
Derry, Dundonald, Newry, Omagh.

Cineworld announces new Minecraft Screenings for Hardcore Fans

‘Chicken Jockey Screenings’ in 4DX

Whoop, yelp and clap your way through this block-busting adventure

Level up your experience of A Minecraft Movie with Cineworld’s “Chicken Jockey Screenings” – exclusively in 4DX. This special one-day event will be taking place in Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide on Sunday, April 13th.

For these screenings, Cineworld is encouraging fans to dress up, whoop, yelp and clap their way through this block-busting adventure, because every scene in 4DX deserves a standing ovation.

4DX is an extreme cinema experience which is only available at Cineworld, and features motion seats, wind blasts, water spray, aromatic scents, fog, bubbles and more. It pairs perfectly with the raucous experience that fans are demanding – a chance for likeminded Minecrafters to fully immerse themselves in the mayhem with 4DX effects elevating the experience to the next level.

The motion seats will have you bouncing like a baby zombie on a chicken – a ride you’ll never forget.

Casey Cohen, Head of Marketing at Cineworld said: “We’ve launched these Chicken Jockey screenings in 4DX for fans who’ve been demanding a more interactive experience – where the action on screen and the energy in the room collide like a TNT explosion.

“This is an immersive, ground-shaking, chicken-bouncing, multisensory rollercoaster ride … with popcorn! Minecrafters will feel every buck, sway and water blast in unison, while whooping and cheering together from the comfort of their moving seats. It’s hands down, the most fun you’ll ever have in a cinema – and probably the only time you’ll ever cheer for a chicken jockey.”

A note from Cineworld (and Steve):

Hey hey hey, blockheads!

We know you’re excited. We’re excited. The whole Overworld is excited! Watching Minecraft on the big screen is meant to be a blast – a cinematic diamond pickaxe to the brain! But even in a world made of blocks, there are some rules we don’t break.

So here’s the deal:

Build excitement? Absolutely. LOL with friends till you’re rolling in the aisles? Totally. But please don’t go full Creeper in the auditorium.

You cannot film anything that’s on the screen – that’s piracy, folks, and unlike lava, we will come after you for it. And remember to leave the cinema looking like a well-built base, not like it got griefed by a bunch of Endermen. No mess please, just good clean fun.

Book your tickets now for A Minecraft Movie – they’ll sell out faster than you can say “CHICKEN JOCKEYYYYY!”

Participating locations for screenings on Sunday, April 13th are listed below:

Aberdeen Union Square, Glasgow Renfrew Street, Greenwich O2, Hull, Newport Spytty Park, Wembley – 3.20pm
Cardiff, Newcastle, Milton Keynes, Wandsworth, Wolverhampton – 3.30pm
Leicester Square – 4.20pm
Feltham – 4.50pm
Ashford, Ashton, Barnsley, Birmingham Broad Street, Bracknell, EDINBURGH, Ipswich, Plymouth, Rushden Lakes, Sheffield, Stevenage, Swindon Shaw Ridge, Telford – 5.00pm
Basildon, Belfast, Broughton, Cheltenham, Crawley, Dublin, Enfield – 5.10pm
Didsbury – 6.10pm

Head HERE to purchase tickets for screenings in the UK and HERE for screenings in Ireland.

World Theatre Day: Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue venues in Edinburgh this spring

To coincide with World Theatre Day tomorrow (Thursday 27 March), Vue venues in Edinburgh are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.

Kicking things off is the National Theatre’s world premiere adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece, Dr. Strangelove.

This bold stage version of the iconic film sees seven-time BAFTA Award winner Steven Coogan take on four different roles in this explosively humorous satire. From Emmy winning Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It, Veep) and Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley (The Upstart Crow), Dr. Strangelove follows the US government and an eccentric scientist as they scramble to avert global destruction after a rogue U.S. General triggers a nuclear attack…

Marking its 20th anniversary, the musical adaptation of the Academy Award winning Billy Elliot the Musical will be pirouetting onto the big screen from 30 March.

Filmed at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London’s West End, it tells the story of a young boy in the 1980s who discovers a passion for ballet and dance, inspiring his family and his community.

With the original creative team from the film and music from British legend Elton John, this funny and uplifting theatrical experience is not one to miss.

Arriving next month, the big screen debut of the Tony award-winning box office smash-hit SIX the Musical Live! heads to Vue for a one-off showstopping cinematic experience from 6 April.

This global theatre phenomenon, filmed at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, reunites the original cast in a new take on the long-misunderstood wives of Henry VIII as they strut out of the shadow of their infamous husband to reclaim their own stories in their own words.

Finally, to mark National Shakespeare Day on 18 April, an all-star production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth brings an immersive take on the The Scottish Play to Vue – filmed especially for the big screen.

Starring acting royalty David Tennant (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) and Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife, Criminal Record), catch Shakespeare’s beloved tragic tale masterfully performed at the Donmar Warehouse in London.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “World Theatre Day is a fantastic opportunity for us all to celebrate the magic and the marvel of theatre – in every shape it takes.

“We’re thrilled to offer theatre and musical fans the opportunity to catch some of the most acclaimed productions and performances all from the comfort of their local Vue venue.”

To find out more visit https://www.myvue.com/big-screen-events/theatre.

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 17^th 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