Tag: FilmG

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

All eyes on Edinburgh’s FilmG event

Aspiring filmmakers gathered in Edinburgh last week at an engagement event for FilmG, the long-running Gaelic short film competition.

Young Edinburgh Gaelic speakers mingled alongside the FilmG team and seasoned creatives from various backgrounds, with former FilmG winners Lachlan Peel, Euan MacDonald and Màiri MacLennan all in attendance.

The event helped spread the word about this year’s competition, paving the way for potential collaborations. A follow-up event in Inverness later in the same week further extended FilmG’s presence across Scotland.

This year’s competition theme, “Mo Shealladh” (My Point of View), sparked interesting and creative ideas amongst attendees as signature branding decorated the city centre venue The Hanover Tap.

FilmG will accept short films (up to five minutes in duration) up until the deadline of 8 December 2023.

To find out more about the rules, the categories and the prize money, visit: www.filmg.co.uk or contact the FilmG team at filmg@astarmedia.scot.
 Sùil air Tachartas FilmG ann an Dùn Èideann 

Thàinig filmeadairean còmhla ann an Dùn Èideann an t-seachdain a chaidh aig tachartas FilmG, an fharpais film goirid Ghàidhlig a tha air a bhith ann o chionn fhada.
 
Thàinig Gàidheil òga Dhùn Èideann còmhla ri sgioba FilmG agus chuir iad eòlas air daoine cruthachail bho dhiofar chùl-raoin, le Lachlan Peel, Euan Dòmhnallach agus Màiri NicIllinnein a bhuannaich FilmG uile an làthair.
 
Chuidich an tachartas le bhith a’ sgaoileadh fios mu fharpais na bliadhna-sa, a’ fuasgladh na slighe airson co-obrachadh a dh’fhaodadh a bhith ann. Leudaich tachartas ann an Inbhir Nis nas fhaide air adhart san t-seachdain buaidh FilmG air feadh na h-Alba
 
Bhrosnaich cuspair farpais na bliadhna-sa, “Mo Shealladh”, beachdan inntinneach is cruthachail am measg an luchd-frithealaidh, agus rinn suaicheantas FilmG sgeadachadh air an àite ann am meadhan a’ bhaile The Hanover Tap.
 
Gabhaidh FilmG filmichean (suas ri còig mionaidean a dh’fhaid) chun a’ cheann-latha, 8 Dùbhlachd 2023. Airson tuilleadh fiosrachaidh mu na riaghailtean, na roinnean agus an t-airgead duais, tadhail air www.filmg.co.uk no cuir fios gu sgioba FilmG aig filmg@astarmedia.scot.


Edinburgh film-makers shortlisted in FilmG Gaelic Short Film Competition

Filmmakers taking part in this year’s prestigious Gaelic short film competition FilmG 2022 have been inspired by nature, environmental issues and the great outdoors – with many of the shortlisted films exploring these topics.

Many films followed this year’s competition theme Lorg, which means search, find or trace, it could even be interpreted as footsteps, with some shortlisted films exploring the outdoors, getting closer to nature and appreciating and protecting the environment.

Nominees have now been confirmed across 17 categories and all the shortlisted films are available to watch on the FilmG website.  

The competition received 91 entries this year, which covered various different stories and current events, and the judges had a tough job whittling down the entries over multiple days.

On the environmental theme, eponymous Uilleam Uaine (Green William) is in Staffin to help the pupils to make the right choices for the environment, in a film of the same name which was written and produced by pupils at Staffin Primary School on the Isle of Skye. It has been shortlisted as the Best Production (Under 12).

And a film by pupils at Sgoil Bhagh a’ Chaisteil on the Isle of Barra called ‘Cosgais A Churaim’, (The Cost of Caring) which looks into the effects of disposable face masks on our environment, has been nominated for Best Documentary. 

Dihaoinean airson Teachd (Fridays of the Future) tells the story of a scientist who wants to save the world with a potion she has invented to create an Eco Superhero. However, the wrong people keep drinking it! 

Made by pupils at Craighill Primary School in Tain, this film has also been shortlisted as the Best Production (Under 12).


Gaelic Medium pupils at Oban High School have been nominated for ‘GOP 26’, which is about an environmental conference GOP26 taking place in Glasgow with leaders from all over the world making speeches, but one of the speakers mysteriously goes missing. The film was shortlisted for the quality of the spoken Gaelic throughout.

Several films explore the great outdoors including a film about hillwalking and scrambling as a way to get a new perspective on the world from beyond the cold, dark glens and high above the clouds. 

Called ‘Thar Nan Sgòth – Beinn Eighe’ (Above the Clouds – Beinn Eighe) this film, made by Anndra Cuimeanach from Gairloch, has been nominated for Best Documentary and Best Young Filmmaker in the Youth Category (12-17).

Also in the Youth Category a film by Emma Rose Passmore from Harris called ‘Falaichte Ann an Roghdal’ (Hidden in Rodal) which looks at the secret history of Roghdal in Harris, has been nominated for Best Documentary and Best Young Filmmaker.

In the Open category a short documentary called ‘A’ Mhuir’ (The Sea) about wild swimming and the students at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in the Isle of Skye who take part in the sport, has been nominated for Best Film, Film Duthchais, Best Performance (Somhairle MacIain), Best Student Film and Best Director (Anna Garvin).

‘Am Buaile Dubh’ by Eòghan Stiùbhart from Inverness, which takes a look around Am Buaile Dubh on the outskirts of Inverness, has been nominated for Best Film, Film Duthchais (which translates as best heritage or community film), Best Performance (Eòghan Stiùbhart), Best Director and Best Script.

While a spoof of outdoor programmes called ‘Rachamaid’ by Ross Young from Inverurie has been shortlisted for Best Performance (Ross Young) and Best Student Film.

And ‘Eilean Lois’ (Lois’s Island) by Somhairle MacIain from Glasgow, which follows him and his girlfriend, Lois, as they cycled the Hebridean Way in the summer and he teaches her to speak Gaelic on the trip, has been shortlisted for Best Student Film.

This is just a few of an array of fantastic films by talented filmmakers, schools and community groups from across Scotland that have made it to the shortlists for the FilmG 2022 Short Film Competition. 

Karen Elder, a journalist for An Là is a Scottish Gaelic-language news programme broadcast on the Gaelic-language channel, BBC ALBA, was one of the judges this year.She said: “It was a privilege to once again be a part of the judging panel for FilmG. There was a wide variety of films entered, from strong documentaries to comedy. It was no small task.” 

You can watch shortlisted films on the FilmG website. FilmG is the Gaelic short film competition, funded by MG ALBA and delivered by Cànan Graphics Studio on the Isle of Skye.

The winners of this year’s prestigious Gaelic Short Film Competition FilmG will be revealed on BBC ALBA from 9pm on Friday, February 25 via a new, specially created, awards programme broadcast from Stornoway.

The show will be hosted by FilmG and BBC ALBA stalwarts Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald.

For more information, www.filmg.co.uk 

Shortlists:

Youth (Under 12) Category

FilmmakerLocationFilmCategoryLink to FilmDescription 
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghleann Dail (Glendale Primary School)GlasgowDeiseil neo aindeiseil?Best Film (Under 12)https://youtu.be/JXLuSzXW0lkThings go wrong when a group of pupils try and play a game of hide and seek instead of learning about it. Where did Penelope go?!
Bun-sgoil Achadh na Creige (Rockfield Primary School)ObanLorden Bino agus NedBest Film (Under 12)https://youtu.be/axhZ-LBu_ywLorden, Bino and Ned have told the dinner ladies at Rockfield Primary School that their food is not good enough and they will make school dinners better.
Sgoil Staffainn (Staffin Primary School)Isle of SkyeTearlach san EileanBest Film (Under 12)https://youtu.be/eWOxlGeXD5EPrince Charles visits Staffin
Bun-sgoil Dun Bheagan (Dunvegan Primary School)Isle of SkyeAir Chall ‘s Air LorgBest Film (Under 12)https://youtu.be/J_eMMxhCzrcWill one young girl’s conscience help her do the right thing?
Bun-sgoil Thaigh A’ Chladaich (Sandbank Primary School)DunoonCoignear Air ChallBest Production (Under 12)https://youtu.be/U2xnw4qEA5UFive Children go to Kilmun on Halloween. Did they get away safely? They met a strange family – the Adams Family!
Sgoil Staffainn (Staffin Primary School)Isle of SkyeUilleam UaineBest Production (Under 12)https://youtu.be/s4wPduOWU04Uilleam Uaine is in Staffin to help the pupils make the right choices for the environment
Bun-sgoil Cnoc na Creige (Craighill Primary School)TainDihaoinean airson TeachdBest Production (Under 12)https://youtu.be/MDHwFPaTmVMA Scientist wants to save the world with a potion she has invented – to create an Eco Superhero. However, the wrong people keep drinking it!
Bun-sgoil Ghlinn Urchadain (Glenurquhart Primary School)DrumnadrochitAn Iuchair DraoidheilBest Production (Under 12)https://youtu.be/iQm8t4qOMGMA student finds a magic key and brings it into class

Youth (12-17) Category

FilmmakerLocationFilmCategoryLink to filmDescription
Parker DawesArdnamurchanSpies-R-UsBest Film (Fluent), Best Production, Best Young Filmmaker, Best Performance (Parker Dawes)https://youtu.be/yRN6I9rNduoSeumas McGuffin, the best spy in the world and friend Iain stole a secret file from the most secure facility in Scotland. Here’s what happened.
Àrd-sgoil an Òbain (Oban High School)ObanGOP 26Best Film (Fluent)https://youtu.be/CtVGNy2PsSgGOP26 is taking place in Glasgow and world leaders are making speeches. But one of the speakers has gone missing!
Àrd-sgoil Ghearrloch (Gairloch High School)GairlochAn Sithiche Mu DheireadhBest Film (Fluent)https://youtu.be/zt9k4zzFTfgThe Gille Dubh, has lived in the Gairloch area for centuries.But after the laird had hunted him, he was not seen again … until he appeared in our own day
Finlay agus Calum MorrisonGlasgowAn Taigh-ÒstaBest Film (Fluent), Best Performance (Finlay Morrison)https://youtu.be/ziIP9d-EUg4Iain and Donald McRamsay explore the goings-on in the fictional village of “Ochanish”. There are some interesting characters staying there!
Àrd-sgoil Ile (Islay High School)IslayEasga Bhuidhe na FeidhBest Film (Learners)https://youtu.be/oARMiRNVzyQIs Easga Bhuidhe na Feidh as fearful as legend suggests? A group of Islay teenagers try to find out.
Acadamaidh Pheairt (Perth Academy)PerthAn Amaladh a ChèileBest Film (Learners)https://youtu.be/2QHIWzyBXOQA small group of pupils leaves a classroom and see a poster offering a reward for the capture of an escaped llama.
Àrd-sgoil Tobar Mhoire (Tobermory High School)MullSeumas SnasailBest Film (Learners)https://youtu.be/3gS9zxAlx7IA young girl goes to extreme lengths to meet her idol. Is meeting your heroes ever a good idea?
Acadamaidh Allt a’ Mhuilinn (Millburn Academy)InvernessFlòraidhBest Film (Learners)https://youtu.be/h12m98PjC54Can you ever be sure who you’re talking to when you meet someone online?
Àrd-sgoil Phort Rìgh (Portree High School)Isle of SkyeCuidhteasBest Production, Best Performance (Iseabail MacRae)https://youtu.be/rcEFfex-0v4Three respectable wives in the Victorian Era plan a way to find independence from their husbands
Àrd-sgoil Loch Abar (Lochaber High School)Fort WilliamGàidsear ChreutaireanBest Production, Best Performance (Calum Stewart)https://youtu.be/nZmPTyQF8IYWhen there’s something strange in your school, who will you phone? Gàidsear Chrutairean (Creature Catcher)!
Àrd-sgoil Aird nam Murchan (Ardnamurchan High School)ArdnamurchanBeatha Iain LomBest Productionhttps://youtu.be/Rfq93GwOv_sFrom birth to death- scenes from the life of one of Scotland’s best known poets.
Anndra CuimeanachGairlochThar Nan Sgòth – Beinn EigheBest Documentary, Best Young Filmmakerhttps://youtu.be/RScxxJ-3WGESometimes we have to leave the cold, dark glens and climb high above each cloud. There we get a new perspective on the world.
Emma Rose PassmoreHarrisFalaichte Ann an RoghdalBest Documentary, Best Young Filmmakerhttps://youtu.be/ejf_w648ZVYA look around the secret history of Roghdal in Harris
Keri NicIainInvernessLatha na DeuchainnBest Young Filmmakerhttps://youtu.be/bnzta6WQjLIIt’s exam day for the Gaelic pupils. This film picks up on the different types of student (and teachers) that you encounter during exams!
Sgoil Bhagh a’ ChaisteilIsle of BarraCosgais A ChuraimBest Documentaryhttps://youtu.be/_0MUTOpstAQA look into the effects of disposable face masks on our environment.
Àrd-sgoil MhicNeacail (Nicolson Institute)Isle of LewisCeannaircBest Documentaryhttps://youtu.be/hzLk-AyZRJQTwenty years after the 9/11 attacks, Nicolson Institute S3 students take a look back at history.
Sgoil Ghàidhlig GhlaschuGlagsowFo BhruidBest Performance (Shreya Saul)https://youtu.be/J99RYIxIQlYA group of friends have to follow a number of clues to find out what has happened to their missing friend.
Sgoil Ghàidhlig GhlaschuGlasgowMurt MatamataigBest Performance (Eylana McCormack)https://youtu.be/GB_UQI3E7PEWhen the maths teacher is murdered, it is up to the class to figure out who amongst them is the murderer.

Open Category

FilmmakerLocationFilmShortlisted for  
Alina BrustEdinburghAn Taigh SolaisBest Film, Best Student Film, Best Director (Alina Brust)https://youtu.be/EYN7y0ih9vYA shepherd and her sheep are trapped in a strange lighthouse.
Innes MacLeodIsle of LewisCudaigBest Film, Film Duthchais, Best Director (Innes MacLeod)https://youtu.be/BNe8wEbmbIsCudaig’s life as a Coastguard volunteer.
Cursa TBh Sabhal Mòr OstaigIsle of SkyeA’ MhuirBest Film, Film Duthchais, Best Performance (Somhairle MacIain), Best Student Film, Best Director (Anna Garvin)https://youtu.be/0VAitEe_uVEA short documentary about wild swimming and the students at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig who take part in the sport.
Eòghan StiùbhartInvernessAm Buaile DubhBest Film, Film Duthchais, Best Performance (Eòghan Stiùbhart), Best Director, Best Scripthttps://youtu.be/yeKqd4ak_0kA look around Am Buaile Dubh on the outskirts of Inverness
Ross YoungInverurieRachamaidBest Performance (Ross Young), Best Student Filmhttps://youtu.be/oxjOk9mSy6IA spoof of outdoor programmes.
Somhairle MacIainGlasgowEilean LoisBest Student Filmhttps://youtu.be/JLQZtS7A9QUIn the summer me and my girlfriend, Lois, cycled the Hebridean Way. Lois does not speak Gaelic but I try to teach her some on our trip
Comunn na GaidhligNationwideLorgan Caluim CilleFilm Duthchaishttps://youtu.be/aJkvxxkSOlAIt is the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of St Columba. The Comunn na Gàidhlig team works throughout Scotland and seven of our Iomairtean Cànain (language initiatives) looked for local links with Colmcille
Marcas Mac An TuairneirEdinburghCrò-naomhBest Performance (Marcas Mac An Tuairneir)https://youtu.be/bfDLBEPTG3IA film-poem by Marcas Mac an Tuairneir with the poem’Crò-naomh’ (‘Sacred Heart’)
Robbie MacLeodEdinburghLorganBest Performance (Robbie MacLeod), Best Scripthttps://youtu.be/iqY422knVegA film poem examining the things that go out of view, and the traces they leave behind them.
Clas Gàidhlig ChamelonFalkirkLàrach eucoir anns a’ GhearasdanBest Performance (Julia Gull), Best Scripthttps://youtu.be/R8xJpTJtuxoA crime was committed in Fort William and the neighbours are shocked. A police officer narrows down the suspects to four people and interviews them.
Cheryl Heggie School of Dance + Sìne na ScreenInvernessThòisich e le Sreothart!Best Scripthttps://youtu.be/IQ4yRWtaqbYIt started with a sneeze! The entries for the Highland dancers scatter everywhere and they end up in the wrong competitions at the Highland games

​

Edinburgh Napier student’s film showcased at prestigious film festival

A film which won a prize in this year’s prestigious Gaelic Film Festival, FilmG, has been screened at a prestigious Film Festival in Glasgow which celebrates emerging filmmakers.

John Nicholson (22) from Bearsden, won Most Promising New Director at the FilmG awards in March for his film Bròn, and it was selected to be shown at the Assumption Studios short film showcase at SWG3 in Glasgow in July.

The film incorporates a dark atmosphere and clever writing to centre on the feeling of isolation – a topic many of us can relate to following this past year’s circumstances. 

Bròn tells the story of two brothers that drifted apart who finally confront each other and their past. It then comes to light that after a freak accident one of the brothers had killed their father and lived with the guilt for all those years.

Speaking about his success, John said: “To think that I’ve only just started out and my short film has won an award and has been screened at a festival gives me the inspiration and the hunger to create more films and be even more creative.

“I really enjoyed writing and directing my own film which was made better by the chance to include my Gaelic.”

John’s passion for filmmaking began when he got the chance to do some work experience for BBC ALBA and he discovered he had a talent for directing and writing scripts.

A recent graduate from Edinburgh Napier University, the talented young filmmaker studied a BA (Hons) in Television, after previously studying at Glasgow College.

John grew up in Glasgow and attended Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu (Glasgow Gaelic School) Primary and Secondary, where he immersed himself in learning through the Gaelic language.

Debbie MacKay, FilmG Project Manager, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for John. We hope to see many films from him in the future and look forward to tracking what we believe to be a very promising career.”

This year’s FilmG competition will be launching soon, with this year’s theme announced on social media as ‘Lorg’ (Find).

Watch John Nicholson’s film Bròn on the FilmG Website.