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!
We are excited to announce the screening of “When Fish Begin To Crawl” the Cameo Picturehouse in Tollcross on Tuesday 18th February followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers!
This is an award-winning film, co-directed by composer Jim Sutherland and BAFTA-winning filmmaker Morag McKinnon.
Created during the COVID-19 lockdowns, “When Fish Begin To Crawl” showcases the ecological importance of The Flow Country, the world’s most intact blanket bog ecosystem. Spanning Caithness and Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, this ancient landscape plays a critical role in combating climate change.
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
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.”
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.
· CINEWORLD EDINBURGH MARKS ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY THIS NOVEMBER, ALONGSIDE CELEBRATIONS OF NEW BLOCKBUSTER WICKED
· A DAY OF CELEBRATIONS WILL BE HELD AT FOUNTAIN PARK CINEMA ON SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER
· MOVIEGOERS CAN ALSO WATCH A RANGE OF CLASSIC BLOCKBUSTERS FOR £5* A TICKET
Cineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will host an exciting day of celebrations on Saturday 23rd November at Fountain Park Cinema in Edinburgh to mark the cinema’s milestone 25th birthday. It comes as highly-anticipated blockbuster, Wicked, arrives in cinemas that same weekend and Cineworld will go all out to celebrate.
Fans can catch the dazzling spectacle, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and adapted from the hit musical, in IMAX, 4DX and ScreenX at Cineworld Edinburgh. Cinema-goers will have the chance to win Wickedmerchandise throughout the day including sweatshirts, notebooks, tumblers and t-shirts so they too can dance through life!
For those who book to see Wickedin 4DX or ScreenX during opening week, they’ll receive one free regular ICEE to match the iconic Wicked colours: Elphaba’s Emerald Green (Sour Apple) or Glinda’s Perfect Pink (Strawberry). While stocks last, guests will be able to purchase Cineworld-exclusive Wickedpopcorn buckets, cups and toppers as well as a Witch-hat drink container to enjoy their treats in style – the items are sure to be popular!
As Cineworld Edinburgh prepares for the arrival of Wicked, they’ll be looking back at past blockbusters and an incredible 25 year’s worth of highlights including:
Launching Cineworld’s first IMAX screen in 2011
Supporting EIFF as a major partner for 18 years
Hosting the Toy Story 3 premiere in 2012 with Sir Sean Connery in attendance
Launching our popular 4DX screen in 2017
Hosting the T2 World Premier in 2017 and completing our multi-million pound refurbishment in 2019 which included Scotland’s first Screen X!
Cineworld Edinburgh will also be celebrating the milestone birthday with a selection of popular films from 1999 available to book for the following week such as The Mummy, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, James Bond: The World Is Not Enough and Sixth Sense – all available for £5* per ticket.
Jamie Wiles, General Manager at Cineworld Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone, especially in such a competitive market place, and are really happy to be able to celebrate with our valued partners, customers and employees.
“The past 25 years have been a hugely successful time for us; During this time, we have operated as Virgin Cinemas, UGC Cinemas and Cineworld Cinemas with our loyal customer base watching us grow and invest in the customer experience.
“We’re delighted to have become a part of the local community and have had the pleasure of striving to be the best place to watch a movie for our Edinburgh customers.”
Terms & Conditions
*95p online booking fee applies.
Wicked ICEE Promotion Terms & Conditions available HERE.
The Into Film festival opened yesterday across the UK and launched in Scotland at Edinburgh Zoo with a special screening of the critically acclaimed animated film Kensuke’s Kingdom, based on Michael Morpurgo’s best-selling book.
The event was hosted by young, Scottish actor, Aaron MacGregor who voices the main character, Michael, in the film. Kensuke’s Kingdom opened the Festival throughout the UK.
Education charity, Into Film Scotland, has launched the 11th Into Film Festival programme and bookings are now live for this year’s exciting edition in November (8-29) with over hundreds of free screenings and events in cinemas and extraordinary venues across Scotland.
The Into Film Festival is the largest of its kind in the world hosting up to half a million pupils and their teachers each year to the free event which showcases previews and classic film screenings hosted by special guests from the world of film.
As ever, the Festival offers students a magical, big screen experience and provides insight into the film industry with the talent that brought the films to life. All film titles are accompanied by film guides and resources that align with the curriculum.
The annual, ever-popular Festival Review Writing competition compliments the Festival programme and is designed to help learners gain clear educational value out of the cinema experience.
About Aaron MacGregor
Now aged 15, rising star Aaron MacGregor voices the character of Michael in Kensuke’s Kingdom, and has already starred in Netflix series SuperPupZ as the voice of Scottie dog Haggis, in animated feature Puffin Rock and the New Friends (West End Films/Cartoon Saloon/Dog Ears) as the voice of Marvin, as Finn in CBBC’s popular show based on acclaimed writer Julia Donaldson’s book series Princess Mirror-Belle and in hit historical drama series Outlander. He toured as Gavroche in the UK and Ireland No 1 Tour of Les Miserables (Cameron Mackintosh Ltd).
About Into Film
Into Film is the UK’s leading charity for film in education and the community. We provide screen industry careers information and advice via school careers leads and direct to young people; support and inspire young filmmakers; and bring the power of moving image storytelling into classroom teaching by providing training and resources.
We also run the annual Into Film Festival, which enables more than 400,000 pupils to visit the cinema for free, and the Into Film Awards – the UK’s leading showcase for young filmmaking talent.
The core Into Film programme is free for UK state schools, colleges and other youth settings, thanks to support from the BFI, awarding National Lottery good cause funding, and through other key funders including Cinema First and Northern Ireland Screen. www.intofilm.org
PICTURED (TOP): L to R: Santiago Otero Ferandez (St Mary’s Music School), Liana Ghotra (St Mary’s Music School), Aaron Macgregor, Abigail McQueen (Bruntsfield School), Kody Lam ((Bruntsfield School). Photo credit: Ian Georgeson
Vue venues in Edinburgh to celebrate all things Oz as popular adaptation hits the big screen
To celebrate the arrival of Wicked this month (22 November) Vue has announced a selection of spectacular treats for Ozians – including a special screening, a precious keepsake and the return of a classic.
Based on the award-winning musical by Stephen Schwartz, Wicked tells the untold story of the wonderful land of Oz, exploring the unlikely friendship forged between green witch Elphaba and the popular Glinda.
Starring Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda, fans can expect favourite tunes such as Popular and Defying Gravity in all their splendour from the comfort of Vue’s luxury seating.
To add to the spectacle, Vue is inviting fans to an extra colourful screening of Wicked across sites on Saturday 23 November, where audiences are encouraged to wear an outfit or accessories that pay homage to the two iconic colours of the stage show, pink and green.
Those attending this special pink & green screening will be able to get their hands on a limited and unique LEGO piece which features a green potion bottle and pink rose, representing Elphaba and Glinda. This precious memento will only be available at Vue for this specific screening.
Vue will also be providing some wickedly fantastic merch to mark the release of the film, not to mention two exclusive Tango Ice Blasts – Defying Raspberry and Cherry Goodness only available at Vue.
Finally, ahead of the release of Wicked, Vue will be returning to Oz with a Back On The Big Screen release of the 1939 cinematic classic The Wizard Of Oz from the 15 November, offering Ozians an opportunity to adventure down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion once more.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh Ocean, said: “Wicked was an absolute sensation when it launched on the stage and we’re confident that the magic will translate onto the big screen.
“With tickets now on sale, we’re thrilled to invite Ozians and film fans alike to enjoy every musical note and magical moment of this spell-binding release on the big screen, all from the luxury of our comfortable leather seating and incredible surround sound.”
Our Through the Lens Programme is back and open to anyone aged 18+ (no upper age limit!) living in North Edinburgh, including Crewe, Drylaw, East Pilton, Leith, Newhaven, Muirhouse, Pennywell, Royston, Salvesen, Telford, Wardieburn, Waterfront, West Granton and West Pilton.
Learners on the course will get hands-on training in key filmmaking roles such as camera and sound, screenwriting, directing, producing, production design, and editing, also exploring film by watching and discussing films, before coming together as a crew to create a short film in your community!
The course also includes industry talks from professionals working in film and TV, social events including cinema trips, and progression advice and support.
Our Through the Lens programme is funded by Screen Scotland, The Robertson Trust, and City of Edinburgh Council, aiming to provide access to filmmaking in local communities, develop creative and transferable skills, empower individuals and communities, facilitate pathways to further opportunities, and promote diversity and representation.
No previous experience is necessary for this programme – just a passion for film. The course is free to take part, with snacks provided and bursaries available for those who require assistance with travel costs.
Sessions will take place every Tuesday, 6pm to 8pm at Screen Education Edinburgh, 30 Ferry Road Avenue, EH4 4BA on the following dates:
November: 12th , 19th , 26th
December: 3rd , 10th , 17th
January: 7th , 14th , 21st , 28th
February: 4th , 11th , 18th , 25th
Filming and editing days will be 10am to 6pm on the following dates:
To get into the spirit this Halloween season, some of the latest horror blockbusters – as well as creepy classics and enchanting family favourites – will be heading to the big screen at Vue venues in Edinburgh, providing a treat for people of all ages, tastes and fear factors.
Throughout October, a host of terrifying new releases as part of Vue’s Spooky Season are heading to the big screen with plenty for film fans to be grinning about, including Smile 2 on the 18 October– the follow-up to the horror hit of 2022.
About to embark on a new world tour, this sinister sequel follows a global pop sensation, who begins experiencing increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events revolving around smiling figures.
More frightfully fun blockbusters make their debut in October along with eerie family drama The Front Room (25 October), a new take of Stephen King’s iconic horror tale Salem’s Lot (11 October) and the return of cult favourite Art the Clown, who returns to cause havoc in Terrifier 3 which cackles onto the big screen on 11 October.
The tricks and treats don’t stop, as Vue’s Back on the Big Screen offering, is delivering some Halloween fun which is perfect for all the family including stop-motion animated icon The Nightmare Before Christmas on 25 October and the return of feelgood classic Ghostbusters, which celebrates its 40th anniversary back at Vue on 18 October.
Other classic Halloween films making their way back include cult classic Carrie which is fully remastered in 4K and A Nightmare Of Elm Street, which marks the 40th anniversary since iconic slasher Freddie Krueger first appeared on the big screen.
Naomi Scott stars in Paramount Pictures Presents A Temple Hill Production A Parker Finn FIlm “SMILE 2”
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh Ocean, said: “This Halloween, we’re thrilled to be able to put on a raft of new and classic films for our scary and spooky film-lovers.
“From family-friendly comedy horrors to cult favourites, we know how gripping scary films can be and want to provide the very best big screen experience for people to enjoy every laugh and every scare this October.”
2025 North Edinburgh Film Festival – don’t miss this family-friendly celebration of film and community stories! 
Saturday 22 February 2025, 11am-5pm
West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre
Free event
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
