Tag: film

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces new guests, special screenings and more tickets on sale

  • Damian Lewis and Kelly Macdonald will attend the World Premiere of Euros Lyn’s The Radleys
  • Filmmakers Nina Conti and Mark Cousins also present new work
  • New guests join previously announced Saoirse Ronan, Thelma Schoonmaker, Alex Garland, Andrew Macdonald and Gaspar Noé in attendance at the Festival this year
  • A special late night screening of 28 Days Later will take place along with a late night Surprise Film presented by Gaspar Noé
  • Tickets across all events released from 3pm Thursday 1 August
  • The relaunched EIFF runs from Thursday 15 August to Wednesday 21 August

The relaunched Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced a new selection of guests attending this year’s Festival in support of World and UK Premieres and events.

The Festival will also release more tickets across all screenings today from 3pm via edfilmfest.org, edfringe.com and via the EdFringe official app.

Newly announced to attend this year’s Festival are Damian Lewis and Kelly Macdonald who will present the World Premiere of Euros Lyn’s fresh reimagining of the vampire genre The Radleys.

Filmmaker Mark Cousins will attend the UK Premiere of his new award-winning documentary on Scottish artist Wilhelmina Barns-Graham A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things.

In attendance as part of the The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence will be Arash Rakhsha for the urgent documentary All the Mountains Give, Jack King for the powerful Yorkshire-set drama The Ceremony; Mary Jiménez and Bénédicte Liénard for the richly poetic Fugue: Will Seefried for the haunting queer drama Lilies Not for Me:  Daisy-May Hudson for the stirring film Lollipop: Abdolreza Kahani for the subversive comedy drama A Shrine; Bryan Carberry for the clear-eyed take on artificial intelligence **smiles and kisses you**; Nina Conti for the absurdist comedy road movie Sunlight; Kelsey Taylor for the dark psychological thriller To Kill a Wolf and Manuela Irene for the delicately moving Xibalba Monster.

Also in attendance for the Festival’s Out of Competition films will be fillmaker Sophie Fiennes for the immersive documentary Acting; Daniel Reisinger for the bittersweet comedy And Mrs, Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel for the Camera D’Or Winner Armand; Ben Rivers for Bogancloch about Jake Williams, a hermit living in the Scottish wilderness, Jake will also attend the Festival; Suzanne Smith and Sylvia Solf for their dance-filled South African documentary Joy Dancer; Polly Steele for the courageous documentary The Mountain Within Me, Greg Kwedar for the transcendent prison drama Sing Sing.

Previously announced guests include filmmaker Nora Fingscheidt and producer and actor Saoirse Ronan who will present the Opening Night UK Premiere of The Outrun the legendary Thelma Schoonmaker will present the inaugural Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence Competition Shorts as well as introducing a retrospective screening of Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powell’s much loved classic I Know Where I’m Going! (1945) set on the Isle of Mull.

Filmmakers Carla J. Easton and Blair Young will be in attendance for the Festival’s Closing Night film, the World Premiere of the powerful new documentary Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands.

Master provocateur Gaspar Noé (Irreversible, Climax, Enter The Void) will attend the Festival for a special In Conversation event discussing his filmmaking career, ahead of presenting a special screening of Dario Argento’s horror masterpiece Suspiria (1977).

Writer, academic and former EIFF Director Lynda Myles will present Lynda Myles Celebrates: is a new special screening showcase for visionary cinematic work which this year is the World Premiere of Argentinian filmmaker Axel Cheb Terrab’s film Gala & Kiwi Axel Cheb Terrab and the cast will also be in attendance.

Also attending as part of the Midnight Madness strand will be Kit Redstone and Arran Shearing for the enigmatic and unexpected King Baby, and James Clarke and Daniel Shephard for the adrenaline fuelled thriller Sunray: Fallen Soldier which stars a cast of former Royal Marine Commandos who will also be in attendance.

Tickets for the recently announced Keynote Address In Conversation: Alex Garland and Andrew Macdonald will go on sale at 3pm today. Press and industry tickets for this event will be made available to EIFF delegates at 8.45am the day before, on a first come first served basis.

A special late night screening of 28 Days Later will take place on Saturday 17 August at 1am in Red Lecture Theatre at Summerhall.

GASPAR NOÉ PRESENTS: SURPRISE FILM and ALI PLUMB’S UNTITLED FILM QUIZ PROJECT were also released at 3pm yesterday (Thursday 1 August).

This year’s Festival programme features musical odysseys, dystopian worlds, laughter in the face of darkness, vivid portraits of characters from the fringes of society and reimagined inner and outer spaces. It showcases new work from filmmakers from the UK, US, Canada, Mexico, Norway, China, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Iran and beyond.

37 new feature films, 18 World Premieres including 10 World Premieres competing for the new Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence, 4 special retrospective screenings, 5 short film programmes including the new Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence competition, an In Conversation event with iconic filmmaker Gaspar Noé and a strand of thrilling Midnight Madness screenings make up a seven-day celebration of world-class new cinema which also allows audiences, press and industry to easily engage with the best of Edinburgh’s other arts and cultural Festivals.

EIFF venue partners this year embed the Festival in the heart of the Fringe landscape with screenings taking place at Cameo Cinema, Summerhall, 50 George Square, in partnership with Assembly Festival; Inspace on Crichton Street in partnership with Monkey Barrel Comedy; and Tollcross Central Hall, in a programme which champions a new generation of UK and international talent, including a strong selection of first and second features.

This year’s 77th edition of the Festival honours the film festival’s history, showcasing the very best talent in filmmaking in a format rooted in a local Scottish context whilst embracing the international diversity of creative expression. EIFF encourages audiences, film fans and industry professionals to make the trip this summer to Edinburgh.

Tickets are now on sale via edfilmfest.org, edfringe.com and via the EdFringe official app. Press and Industry accreditation for EIFF is open and closes on 2 August.

EIFF 2024 is supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Audience Projects Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, the Industry Programme is backed by EXPO funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland, and EventScotland part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from Thursday 15 to Wednesday 21 August 2024.  

Celebrate the arrival of Deadpool & Wolverine with limited edition merch and sweet treats at Vue Edinburgh

THE highly anticipated team-up of Deadpool & Wolverine is finally arriving at screens across the UK and Ireland this weekend and to celebrate Vue is inviting film fans to suit up and show their support for their favourite anti-heroes – as well as enjoy a range of limited-edition merchandise and an all-new Tango Ice Blast flavour.

The only MCU release arriving on the big screen this year, Deadpool & Wolverine follows Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) faced with impossible odds as his peaceful existence comes crashing down when the Time Variance Authority recruits him and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to help safeguard the multiverse.

The iconic duo buddying up for the first time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe marks the biggest superhero release of the year and Vue is asking film fans to bring their own besties to the big screen, dressed in either red or yellow to show their support for the two iconic Marvel heroes.

Promotional film cups, popcorn tins and buckets based on the heads of the two leads will be on sale for fans to claw into some tasty refreshments during the film. The film’s launch will also see the introduction of a new, exclusive Tropical Tango Ice Blast flavour.

Toby Bradon, General Manager of Vue UK and Ireland, said: ‘The arrival of Deadpool & Wolverine this weekend is the perfect way to hang out with your own bestie this summer.

“We’re thrilled to be making the arrival that extra bit special with some limited-edition merch and an all-new Tango Ice Blast flavour. We can’t wait to celebrate Marvel’s big summer film on the big screen – the way it should be seen.’

Tickets for Deadpool & Wolverine start from £4.99 when booked online. To find out more visit www.myvue.com

Vue sites in Edinburgh to put family fun in focus this summer

New big screen child-friendly content offerings

Vue sites in Edinburgh has announced the latest set of family-friendly blockbusters set to hit the big screen this summer, as well as a number of new ways for families and kids of all ages to enjoy time together at the big screen.

For the youngest film fans enjoying some of their favourite their very first outings to the big screen, Vue has introduced Big Shorts screenings, bringing some favourite children’s characters from television shows and web series such as The Gruffalo’s Child and Zog and the Flying Doctors to the big screen.

These short and sweets screenings offer a relaxed big screen environment with dimmed lights and reduced sound, tailor-made for younger film fans aged 1 to 4, allowing them to fall in love with the big screen in their very first trips. 

Meanwhile, families looking for a value big screen experience can avail of the brand-new Mighty Mornings offering. This will see films such as Kung Fu Panda 4 and The Present shown across weekends and school holidays this summer from just £2.49 when tickets are purchased online.

It’s also set to be a summer of big screen, with blockbusters such as Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and Illumination’s Despicable Me 4 leading the bill.

Almost nine years since its enormously emotional debut warmed hearts and mini minds across the world, on 14 June Inside Out 2 invites us back to the wonderful world of Riley’s mind and Emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust.

Now, as Riley reaches her teenage years, our cast meets a whole new cast of unfamiliar emotions which set them off on another marvellous adventure across the teenager’s mind.

Joining Joy and friends, this summer sees Gru and the Minion crew back with Despicable Me 4, which sees our former villain turned family man face off against new nemesis Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina, meaning his family, Minions included, must go on the run to stay safe. Expect more Minion mayhem, criminal capers and plenty of laughs when Despicable Me 4arrives at Vue on 12 July

As well as the latest family-friendly blockbusters, some true family classics will be back at home on the big screen as part of Vue’s Back On The Big Screen Family Treasures season, which includes Woody and Buzz’s sequel adventure Toy Story 2 and every live action outing of Marvel superhero Spider-Man, including the Tobey Maguire trilogy, Andrew Garfield The Amazing Spider-Man films and the more recent Tom Holland trilogy including Spider-Man: No Way Home later this summer.

Robert Smith, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh Omni, said: “Every film fan discovered their love for stories on the big screen with their very first visit. Because of this, we’re looking to make this experience as memorable as possible for our young audiences to really help create their love for films with their family with our Big Shorts and Mighty Mornings offerings.

“With some incredible new blockbusters, family treasures and even some pre-school favourites heading to Vue, we’re thrilled to help families and youngsters enjoy their first trip to Vue, as well as each visit afterwards.”

Tickets are available, along with more information on Big Shorts and Mighty Mornings, at www.myvue.com/family

Cineworld Edinburgh announces Screen Day with £4 tickets

·       SCREENX DAY TO TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY JULY 6

·       TICKETS REDUCED TO £4 PER FILM, ALL DAY, ONLY IN SCREENX

·       OFFER VALID ACROSS 23 CINEMA SITES IN THE UK 

Cineworld is delighted to announce SCREENX DAY, an exclusive, one-day event featuring some of the hottest blockbusters in the cutting-edge ScreenX format. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 6th, and prepare for an unparalleled cinematic adventure across 23 locations in the UK.

To celebrate this state-of-the-art experience, the event will give aviators and Fremens across the country a chance to experience some of their favourite blockbusters in the revolutionary format for only £4.00 a ticket.

ScreenX uses advanced technology with 270-degree projection to create panoramic viewing that surrounds you in your seat. With the film extended beyond your peripheral vision, guests are transported into their cinematic universe of choice in a world first, available only at Cineworld. 

For one day only, Cineworld is bringing back some of the biggest billers including:

  • Dune: Part Two – Enter a futuristic sci-fi world and immerse yourself in the heat of the battle for Arrakis with screens projecting an incredible desert expanse
  • Top Gun: Maverick – Catch this adventure-filled epic with footage exclusive to the ScreenX experience. Six cameras in the cockpit combine with the expanded sidewall projection to bring you along for each dynamic flying sequence like never before. Director Joseph Kosinski reveals “We weren’t able to use two of the side cameras in the [standard] film, but in ScreenX we were able to use that footage on the side screens, so what you’re seeing in ScreenX is live action footage on the side of the screens which is a first!”
  • Meg 2: The Trench – Immerse yourself in the under-sea-action of Meg 2 now in 270 degrees for the ultimate heart-racing jumpscares. With screens wrapping round your head, director Ben Wheatley notes “With ScreenX, that feeling of looking into the film that’s wrapping all around your head really amplifies a lot of the action stuff. With the Meg 2: The Trench there’s a lot of intense action that is really served well by ScreenX.”
  • Migration –The first ever animated film to be shown in ScreenX, take flight with the Mallard of ducks for this family favourite uplifting tale 

Casey Cohen, Head of Marketing at Cineworld Cinemas, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce Cineworld’s inaugural ScreenX Day! For just £4, experience a revolutionary 270° view with projections expanding onto the side walls of the auditorium.

“Whether you’re soaring with Top Gun: Maverick or adventuring with Migration, you can surround yourself and your whole family with movie magic at Cineworld on July 6th.”

Tickets for the first ever ScreenX Day can now be purchased on the Cineworld Website or the Cineworld app.

#ScreenXDay

#ExperienceScreenX

ScreenX Day 2024 is sponsored by the Royal Air Force.

Screenings to take place at the following locations: 

Ashford
Barnsley          
Basildon         
Belfast
Brighton  Castleford       
Crawley
Didsbury          
Edinburgh      
Hull     
Leeds White Rose       
London – Hounslow      
London – The O2 Greenwich   
London – Wandsworth  
Milton Keynes 
Newcastle upon Tyne  
Newport – Spytty Park  
Rushden Lakes 
Sheffield          
Speke 
Watford           
Wolverhampton           
York

Vue invites film fans to head back to 1999 this summer

This summer Vue is turning back the clock to 1999 by screening seven iconic films from the 20th century’s final year.

With mind-boggling sci-fis, classic teen comedies and animated favourites heading back to the big screen, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy.

Ahead of its time and spawning not one but three sequels, The Matrix will be returning from 8 June. The brainchild of the Wachowskis, it’s hard to believe we were first introduced to Neo and his followers 25 years ago.

Another blockbuster (sand)storming back onto the big screen this summer is The Mummy. Arriving from 6 July, travel back to 1920s Egypt as English librarian Evie, her trickster brother Jonathan and hunky guide Rick accidently unleash a curse which had been laid on the dead High Priest Imhotep for centuries.

Arguably one of the most quotable films in movie history, American Pie is also celebrating its 25th birthday this year. The ultimate teen movie, starring the iconic Jennifer Coolidge as Stiffler’s mum, will be gracing Vue from 19 July.

One for the family, Toy Story 2 will be flying back onto screens from 20 July. In Pixar’s classic sequel Buzz and his friends vow to rescue Woody, who finds himself stolen by a toy collector, only to discover the idea of immortality in a museum tempting…

Also returning to the big screen will be sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest (from 21 June) starring Sigourney Weaver, classic rom-com She’s All That (from 29 June) starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and action thriller Deep Blue Sea (from 26 July) starring Samuel L Jackson.

Toby Bradon, general manager at Vue UK & Ireland, said: “Here at Vue we pride ourselves on screening so much more than just blockbusters, as our latest Back on the Big Screen season shows.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since these classic films were first released. We’re thrilled to be sharing them on the big screen, the way they were meant to be seen.”

For more information or to book tickets visit www.myvue.com

Full listings

The Matrix – From 8 June

Galaxy Quest – From 21 June

She’s All That – From 29 June

The Mummy – From 6 July

American Pie – From 19 July

Toy Story 2 – From20 July

Deep Blue Sea – From26 July

Harry Potter fans have to try this Scottish road trip this bank holiday

  • Experience Harry Potter’s iconic locations in real life with a beautiful Highlands road trip
  • There are six magical locations to explore, including Glen Etive, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Loch Morar
  • The Harry Potter road trip takes 7 hours 54 minutes to complete by car

As the fifth most popular filming location in Europe, Scotland has provided a beautiful backdrop for countless Hollywood blockbusters over recent decades.

Harry Potter is perhaps the most famous and beloved of these film series to shoot scenes north of the English border, with stunning Highland scenery featuring across each of the eight exciting instalments.

And, as this franchise has arrived on Netflix and reignited the nation’s love for all things Potter, fans can visit its most iconic filming locations, as Macklin Motors has curated the ultimate road trip route of Scotland for Potterheads.

Taking 8 hours to complete by car, this road trip is perfect for Harry Potter fans who want to feel the magic of their favourite scenes, while taking in beautiful Scottish landscapes at the same time.

The journey starts in the astonishingly beautiful valley of Glen Etive, before driving just over half an hour to Rannoch Moor’s Insta-ready autumnal shades, both of which featured in the Deathly Hallows.

The next stop is Steall Falls, the second highest waterfall in Great Britain, a popular beauty spot that made an appearance in the adrenaline-pumping dragon chase scene in the Goblet of Fire.

Drive 40 minutes further and drivers will find the most iconic Harry Potter filming location in Scotland: Glenfinnan Viaduct. Potterheads will certainly recognise this stunning railway viaduct from the Chamber of Secrets’ unforgettable flying car sequence.

The penultimate stop on the road trip route is Loch Morar, which eagle-eyed fans will immediately recognise as Hogwarts Lake from the Prisoner of Azkaban. Then, a long drive across the Scottish Highlands will reveal the very last filming location on the map: Black Rock Gorge. This stoic cavern featured in the Goblet of Fire, taking centre stage during the Triwizard Tournament.

A Macklin Motors spokesperson commented: “Finding the perfect bank holiday activity for the entire family is always a tricky task. 

“With our Harry Potter road trip, we want to provide the best of both worlds for kids and parents alike, touring beautiful Highland hotspots with a magical twist. And with International Harry Potter day on Thursday, there’s no better time to take the trip. Plus, at just under eight hours in total, drivers can complete this road trip in a day or take their time with it throughout their holiday in Scotland. 

“So, pack the car with snacks, ready your family’s favourite playlist, and set off on a bewitching adventure around Scotland’s stunning scenery.”

For more filming location road trips around Scotland and to find the Google Maps route for this road trip, visit the Macklin Motors blog.

Edinburgh Tradfest kicks off on Friday

FESTIVAL DATES: Friday 3 May – Monday 13 May 2024

A packed programme of music, film and storytelling kicks off Edinburgh Tradfest this weekend (3 May to 13 May) thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.

The eleven day Festival opens with electro-trad supergroup VALTOS one of Scotland’s best live bands, who are performing with folk trio Assynt and award-winning singer Josie Duncan at the Queen’s Hall.

Over the weekend the music programme continues with folk legend Martin Simpson whose latest solo album Skydancers has just been released; Americana, rock, folk and blues icon Alice Howe and legendary bassist Freebo; and late night sessions in the Traverse Bar. Plus, folk musicians playing at any level, can take part in #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay on Saturday by uploading a strathspey tune online using the hashtag, or by joining fiddlers Eryn Rae, Matt Tighe, accordionist Megan Macdonald and pianist extraordinaire Rory Matheson for a live afternoon concert to celebrate the humble Strathspey.

This year the festival boasts an incredible line-up of master musicians including Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis who closes this year’s festival in concert with special guests Laura Wilkie and Ian Carr whose debut album Vent launches later this year. 

Other masters of traditional music playing this festival include singer, harpist and composer Rachel Newton; stalwart of the 1990s Edinburgh session scene Simon Bradley trio-ing with Anna-Wendy Stevenson and Michael Bryan; the newly formed Triptic featuring three musicians of peerless pedigree – Phil Alexander, Greg Lawson and Mario Caribe; dazzling instrumentalists Simon Thoumire and Dave Milligan; legend Archie Fisher; and West Highland high energy supergroup Dàimh.

Also playing this festival are a host of hugely talented Nordic musicians including Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, and raucous fiddler Lena Jonsson from Northern Sweden who duos with the legendary Brittany Haas from Northern California.

Other highlights include the incredible Malin Lewis who launches their new album Halocine at this year’s festival; soulful electro-trad tunes from Frankie Archer whose music is shaking up genres and traditions and championing women, challenging perspectives and calling for a fairer future;  BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year finalist 2024 Evie Waddell; and sixth generational fiddle player Clare Sands.

For film goers there is this year’s Folk Film Gatherin’ which includes on-screen highlights – Journey to the Isles: Marjory Kennedy Fraser an archive film with live accompaniment from storyteller Marion Kenny and multi-instrumentalist Mairi Campbell; and two films from Ukraine – the silent masterpiece Earth (1930) directed by Alexander Dovzhenko and accompanied by Scottish musicians Luke Sutherland and Semay Lu; and Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors – a tale of crossed lovers introduced with a short concert from Edinburgh’s Ukrainian Choir.

This year’s May Day Parade also takes place during the festival on Sunday 5 May setting off down the Royal Mile at mid-day and finishing with a rally, music and speeches.

Plus fans of traditional storytelling can enjoy events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre including old tales from Lithuania and around the world brought to life by Daiva Ivanauskaite and musician Gaynor Barradell in Fire from the Woods (Her Father Has Nothing to Say) a new production exploring the silence between generations and life growing up without hearing stories from your ancestors; and Welsh storyteller Milly Jackdaw presenting Mochyn Mryddin / Merlin’s Pig a fusion of traditional storytelling, physical theatre, music and ceremony based on the life of Myrddin, the inspiration for Merlin in Arthurian legend.

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “We are beyond excited to present our biggest and best Edinburgh Tradfest ever.

“Every single show has been curated with care by our team, so you can book with absolute confidence. As usual we’ll be at every gig enjoying the music. See you soon!”

Edinburgh Tradfest runs fromFriday 3 May to Monday 13 May.

For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com   

Cineworld Edinburgh celebrates Danny Boyle with £5 tickets

  • DANNY BOYLE SEASON FROM MAY 7 – MAY 28
  •  SHALLOW GRAVE CELEBRATES ITS 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
  • TICKETS ONLY £5 AT CINEWORLD, ON SALE NOW

Cineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, is to celebrate the acclaimed British director Danny Boyle from May 7th to May 28th with a limited time big screen re-release of four of the Scottish director’s classic titles.

Tickets go on sale from today for these iconic movies that defined Danny Boyle’s career – a rare chance for fans to experience these classics on the big screen, just as they were meant to be seen, all for the affordable price of £5 per ticket.

Exclusive to Cineworld, the films showing nationwide during Danny Boyle Season will be:

  • May 7: Sunshine – Futuristic sci-fi thriller penned by Alex Garland returns to the big screen starring Cilian Murphy and Chris Evans.
  • May 14: Shallow Grave – Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Boyle’s dark comic debut feature featuring Ewan McGregor and Christopher Eccleston.
  • May 21: 28 Days Later – The legendary British zombie movie returns to the big screen. Take in the deserted streets of London and the journey into the unknown…
  • May 28: Trainspotting – Choose Life. Choose Trainspotting as the iconic gritty cult classic gets a 4K Restoration and will be screened nationwide on May 28th

Stuart Crane, VP of Film Cineworld Group: “Danny Boyle is undeniably one of Britain’s greatest directors, and we’re thrilled to bring back a selection of his most memorable titles to the big screen for only £5.

“Whether you’re eager to relive the mesmerizing sci-fi journey of Sunshine, experiencing the adrenaline-pumping thrills of 28 Days Later for the first time, or indulging in the visually stunning 4k restoration of Trainspotting, there’s a cinematic delight for every taste in this tribute to Danny Boyle.”

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience Boyle’s cinematic classics on the big screen and join us in celebrating Danny Boyle Season this May. For tickets and showtimes, please visit cineworld.com or the Cineworld app.

Scotland’s Sean Connery Talent Lab announces first participants

NEW COLLABORATION WITH PRIME VIDEO

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) and the Sean Connery Foundation are delighted to announce the first intake of 26 emerging filmmakers who will join the prestigious Sean Connery Talent Lab, set to begin later this month in Leith.

In an exciting development, the Talent Lab is also proud to welcome Prime Video as its newest collaborator. 

Prime Video’s contribution will form part of Prime Video Pathway, the multifaceted training initiative set up by the streamer to open up access to jobs in the TV and film industry across the UK. This marks the expansion of a successful collaboration between Prime Video and the NFTS, running alongside other positive initiatives delivered by the two organisations, such as the Prime Video Craft Academy.

With the Sean Connery Talent Lab, Prime Video will join a wide range of industry organisations, trusts and foundations dedicated to working with the NFTS to foster the next generation of creative talent.

Under the seasoned leadership of renowned Scottish film producer Chris Young, the Sean Connery Talent Lab, named in honour of the legendary Scottish actor and supported by the Sean Connery Foundation, will embark on its mission to discover and nurture a new wave of filmmaking luminaries.

Chris Young, whose legacy includes founding the award-winning Young Films, brings invaluable experience and vision to the Talent Lab, with a career spanning critically acclaimed and award-winning film and television productions including The Inbetweeners. 

Following an extensive search for the most promising ‘on the rise’ creative talent across Scotland and the UK, the final 26 participants were selected from hundreds of applicants, with each showcasing a diverse range of skills across writing, directing, producing, cinematography and editing disciplines.

Introducing the Sean Connery Talent Lab Participants:

WRITERS / DIRECTORS

  1. Alex Salam
  2. Cat MacLeod & Lana Phuetan
  3. Josefa Celestin
  4. Mairead Hamilton
  5. Miranda Stern
  6. Ryan Pollock

“To get the chance to bring my short film to life with the support of the Sean Connery Talent Lab is mind-bogglingly thrilling. I hope to come away from the experience a stronger storyteller with a few more industry connections and to have found like-minded creatives with whom I will continue to collaborate long into the future.” – Writer/Director Mairead Hamilton

PRODUCERS

  1. Carys Evans
  2. Isabella Bassett
  3. Katie Mallinder
  4. Katriona Tweedie
  5. Kitty McMurdo-Schad
  6. Saffia Sage
  7. Steven Jeram

“It feels like a full circle moment to have such an icon of Scottish history – Sir Sean Connery – leaving a legacy that I am now a part of. I can’t wait to see how this bolsters Scottish talent and look forward to working with the rest of the cohort on what will undoubtedly be a strong selection of films!” – Producer Kitty McMurdo-Schad

CINEMATOGRAPHERS

  1. Alyson Thompson
  2. Fiann McLeod
  3. Iona Ward
  4. Matt Mead
  5. Simon Williamson
  6. Vasileios Kapnis

“I believe the Sean Connery Talent Lab will accelerate my career as a cinematographer. The opportunity to train on state-of-the-art equipment, collaborate with other up-and-coming filmmakers, and shoot a short film in gorgeous Scotland will be the catalyst I need to propel myself to a more professional level. This experience will mark a major turning point for me.” – Cinematographer Alyson Thompson

EDITORS

  1. CJ Lazaretti
  2. Fraser Ballantyne
  3. Jonathan Ley
  4. Lu Kemp
  5. Roddy McDonald
  6. Sam J Thomson

“I am thrilled to be part of a new cohort, and to collaborate with my colleagues to produce an ambitious body of new work which I hope will magnify the energy and force of Scottish film talent.” – Editor Lu Kemp

The Sean Connery Talent Lab offers a rich curriculum, designed to challenge and inspire these emerging filmmakers. Through hands-on training, mentorship by industry professionals, and collaborative projects, participants will develop their skills, culminating in the creation of six short films, working to a budget of £25,000 per project. 

With the support of Prime Video and inaugural supporters BBC Film, the Dana and Albert Broccoli Foundation, FirstStage Studios, Blazing Griffin, DNA Films, Hartswood Films, Juniper Trust, LS Productions, the Rank Foundation and Synchronicity Films, the projects are set to serve as significant calling cards for the participants, showcasing their talents at film festivals and industry events worldwide.

The Sean Connery Talent Lab is noteworthy for its accessibility, with the Sean Connery Foundation generously underwriting 70% of the fees for each participant. This initiative highlights the commitment of the NFTS and its umbrella of partners, supporters and collaborators to making world leading training accessible to a broad array of aspiring filmmakers.

Jon Wardle, Director of the NFTS commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Prime Video to the Sean Connery Talent Lab.

“Under the leadership of Chris Young, the Lab embodies our shared commitment to nurturing emerging talent across the UK. We are excited to explore the innovative perspectives and contributions these filmmakers will make to the industry, both within Scotland and on the international stage.”

Chris Young, Head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab shared his enthusiasm, saying: “The addition of Prime Video as our newest collaborator highlights the broad industry support for the Sean Connery Talent Lab.

“Their involvement, along with our other partners and supporters, underscores a collective commitment to fostering a new generation of filmmakers. I am beyond excited to embark on this journey with our newly selected participants.

“Together, we’re not just kicking off a new programme; we’re launching careers and redefining what’s possible for filmmakers across Scotland and the UK.”

Stephane Connery, Chair of the Sean Connery Foundation said: “We are so pleased that Prime Video has joined the extraordinary cohort of committed organisations supporting the Sean Connery Talent Lab and we congratulate the first cohort of students on their admission.

“In establishing the Lab, we hope not only to honour Sir Sean’s Scottish roots, but also to expand the opportunities for employment, both above and below the line, by strengthening Scotland’s reputation as a pivotal destination for film and TV production.”

Jason Connery, Ambassador for the Sean Connery Foundation added: “Scotland’s rich heritage, versatile landscapes and dynamic talent have long contributed to its cinematic success, paving the way for ground-breaking storytelling. 

“We are so looking forward to getting to know this talented cohort of filmmakers and are excited to see the stories they create over the course of the next year, inspired by their world-class instructors, their surroundings, and each other.”

For more information, go to: nfts.co.uk/sean-connery-talent-lab 

New presenters set to host Gaelic film’s biggest night of the year

BBC ALBA stars, Lana Pheutan and Hannah McKirdy, are set to host Gaelic film’s biggest night of the year: the FilmG Awards. The presenters will oversee the awards ceremony on Friday (23 February) where winners will be crowned for the 16th annual iteration of the Gaelic short-film competition.

With the awards historically held at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow and hosted by BBC ALBA stalwarts Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald, the event this year takes place at the SEC with Lana and Hannah welcoming the audience of almost 500 filmmakers, industry professionals and FilmG devotees.

Lana and Hannah themselves participated in FilmG over the years, both picking up awards that helped propel them into their media careers.

Hannah picked up a Best Performance trophy in 2017 for Cheating our Language while Lana has won numerous awards, including winning two in 2017 (Best Comedy and People’s Choice Award), three in 2018 (Best Performance, Best Student Film and People’s Choice Award) and the prestigious Best Film award in 2019 for her film Sòlas.

Since then, Lana and Hannah have worked together regularly, as actors, podcasters and most recently as co-creators and stars of the BBC ALBA mockumentary Glan Fhèin, and as co-hosts of the successful BBC Radio nan Gàidheal podcast Fad Botal Fìon.

New FilmG co-host, Lana Pheutan, said: “This is the first year that myself and Hannah are presenting the FilmG Awards and I’m really excited, and a bit nervous, for what has historically been a fantastic night.

“We’ve both attended many FilmG ceremonies over the years and it’s always a great chance for young Gaelic speakers to meet, mingle, and celebrate the language. It’s up to us to keep the crowd entertained whilst guiding the FilmG nominees through a seamless night of celebrating Gaelic short films.”

New FilmG co-host, Hannah McKirdy, said: “FilmG is a fantastic vehicle for developing Gaelic talent, and Lana and I both benefited from the experience we gained through creating films, writing scripts, and later winning awards.

“This year, over 50 films have been shortlisted across the categories, which demonstrates the wealth of Gaelic Filmmaking talent in Scotland and beyond. We know exactly how excited and nervous the nominees will be – we’ve been in their shoes – so Lana and I will be there on the night to ensure everyone has a good time.”

The FilmG Awards will take place on the evening of Friday 23 February in the Lomond Auditorium of the SEC in Glasgow.

The awards will be live-streamed to BBC ALBA’s YouTube and FilmG’s Facebook, with a highlights programme to be broadcast two days later on BBC ALBA (8pm on Sunday 25 February): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001wsfr.