Competition for Young Filmmakers
The Scottish Youth Film Foundation (SYFF) is delighted to announce the return of its Films of Scotland competition, inviting young filmmakers from across the country to capture contemporary Scotland through the power of film.
Following the outstanding success of its inaugural competition in 2024, Films of Scotland returns for a second edition, offering young Scots, aged 26 and under, the opportunity to document the places, people, culture and stories that define today’s Scotland.
SYFF Patron Jack Lowden has recorded a special call out to young Scots asking them to send in their entries. It can be seen on SYFF’s social media channels and on the Films of Scotland website – www.filmsofscotland.com
Inspired by the historic Films of Scotland initiatives, which created an invaluable moving image record of Scottish life from the 1930s until the 1980s, the competition encourages participants to produce original short films that reflect their own unique perspectives on modern Scotland.
By reimagining this much-loved concept for the 21st century, the Scottish Youth Film Foundation hopes to build a lasting archive of young people’s views of the nation during a period of significant social, cultural and environmental change.
The competition officially launched on 8 July 2026, with entries accepted until 31 January 2027. Winners will be celebrated at a special prize-giving ceremony at the National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, in March 2027, where outstanding films will be screened and prizes awarded.
The competition is delivered by the Scottish Youth Film Foundation in partnership with National Museums Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, and VisitScotland.
Heather Bowry, General Manager of the Scottish Youth Film Foundation said: “The response to the first Films of Scotland competition exceeded all our expectations. The films submitted in 2024 demonstrated remarkable creativity, insight and passion for Scotland’s communities and landscapes.
“We’re excited to launch the competition once again and to see a new batch of films about our incredible country.”
Full competition details, eligibility criteria and entry guidance is available at www.filmsofscotland.com
Queries can be directed to info@syff.scot