The North Edinburgh Film Festival is happening tomorrow!
Join us at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre (19 W Pilton Grove, EH4 4BY) from 11am tomorrow for a fun day filled with screenings, activities, and workshops.
It’s free and there’s no need to book tickets, just turn up!
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!
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:
Click HERE to apply for the course.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 4th November.
For enquiries, please email our Skills and Qualifications Officer Sean Young at Sean@screen-ed.org
2024 North Edinburgh Film Festival is TODAY – Saturday 3 February (12.30pm to 5pm) at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
From 2.45pm on Screen 1 we’ll be presenting ‘North Edinburgh from the Archive’.
Screen Education Edinburgh, formerly known as Pilton Video, opens its archive to bring you a fantastic selection of 9 short drama films that showcase North Edinburgh, its creativity, and its cinematic talent on and off screen.
Today promises to be a fantastic day celebrating community cinema and filmmaking in North Edinburgh. From filmmaking workshops and screenings of films created through North Edinburgh Arts’ Saturday programme, to an exhibition on local history and more, we have something for everyone to enjoy.
Look out for friends, family and neighbours on the big screen as we showcase some of the best locally-made films, as well as 5-star family favourite ‘Song of the Sea’.
Free entry – you can join us from the beginning at 12.30pm or drop in throughout the day. Food will also be provided, with opportunities to connect with local residents and neighbours.
We look forward to seeing you there!
SEE is delighted to announce the films we’ll be screening from our archives today at the North Edinburgh Film Festival!
Spanning both decades and genres, this selection of films highlights the talented people we’ve worked with over the years, as well as the creativity and vibrancy of the North Edinburgh community.
The North Edinburgh Film Festival is presented with North Edinburgh Arts and will be held at the West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre today = Saturday 3rd February – from 12.30pm-5pm.
It’s a completely free event, and you’re welcome to drop in throughout the day.
We hope to see many of you there!
Image description: 1) Schedule for the North Edinburgh Film Festival
2) Information on the films Stuck, Aye and John’s Shoes
3) Information on the films Lucky Draw, Time and Motion and The Interview
4) Information on the films Oh, The Man with No Name and My Shadowlands
5) Information on the films Keep It, Contact Trace and To Janice
LAST weekend Leith Theatre rolled out its red carpet for an for an unforgettable celebration of the latest cohort from the BFI Film Academy Edinburgh and South East Scotland Short Course.
Screen Education Edinburgh learners spent the past few months working collaboratively towards their Preparing to Work in the Film Industry NCFE Level 2 qualification, while working together to write, direct and edit their own short films.
The result? Three phenomenal short films; “To Janice,” “To Be a Woman is To Be in Conflict,” and “I’ve Waited”, which we had the privilege of screening on the big screen at Leith Theatre. 
Huge congratulations to all the learners for their outstanding films, hard work, and the remarkable stories they’ve brought to life. Your creativity and passion have left us inspired and delighted to be part of your undoubtedly incredible filmmaking journeys.
Thank you to BFI Film Academy, The National Lottery, The City of Edinburgh Council and Screen Scotland for making this course possible.
SCREEN EDUCATION EDINBURGH
SATURDAY 3rd FEBRUARY at WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
SATURDAY 3rd FEBRUARY from 12.30 – 5pm
WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
We’re delighted to let you know that the second edition of the North Edinburgh Film Festival will take place on Saturday 3 February at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre
Presented by Screen Education Edinburgh and North Edinburgh Arts, the Festival is a day celebrating community cinema and filmmaking in North Edinburgh.
Look out for friends, family and neighbours on the big screen as we showcase some of the best locally-made films, as well as 5-star family favourite Song of the Sea! From screenings and workshops to food and an exhibition on local history, there’s something for everyone!
The Festival will be held from 12.30pm to 5pm. It’s completely free to attend – you can join us from the beginning, or drop-in throughout the day.
We can’t wait to see everyone!
Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE), Film Edinburgh (City of Edinburgh Council, Culture Service), ScreenSkills’ High-end TV Skills Fund, and Arts & Creative Learning (City of Edinburgh Council, Children, Education and Justice Services) are proud to launch the Edinburgh Schools HETV Inspire Sessions.
These workshops are designed to inspire Edinburgh’s young workforce to consider careers in High-End TV Drama Production. The sessions will take place from October 2023 – February 2024 in City of Edinburgh Council High Schools across Edinburgh.
Edinburgh’s screen industries have grown considerably in recent years, with an annual value of £23.8 million. However, with the UK screen industries requiring an estimated 10,000 new entrants each year to sustain the current workforce, the shortage of young talent entering the field presents a significant challenge to the sector.
The HETV Inspire Sessions aim to address this shortage. Created with S4-6 pupils taking a wide range of subjects in mind, these workshops provide an opportunity to find out about the wide range of jobs available in the television industry. The workshops will connect with an estimated 500 pupils in at least 17 schools around Edinburgh.
Workshops are led by industry professionals working in a diverse range of jobs within High-End TV Drama Production, who can offer a unique perspective on the industry. Pupils will gain hands-on practical experience, learning about the day-to-day responsibilities of different jobs. They will leave the sessions signposted to active opportunities in the field, such as SEE courses, e-learning from ScreenSkills’ High-end TV Skills Fund, career maps and more.
Emphasis has been placed on ensuring representation of roles with a shortage of entrants, empowering pupils to consider roles they may not have considered suited to their skillset. This programme aims to inspire pupils and guide them towards a rewarding career in this dynamic, growing field.
Laura Findlay, Creative Engagement Officer at SEE said, “There are a wealth of jobs in the industry that young people may not even know about or have considered before.
“We understand how important it is to support and develop pupils in a number of ways in and out of school – whether it’s courses and programmes we run, giving them hands on experience in film, or signposting them to internships, training programmes, or online courses, such as those run by ScreenSkills’ High-end TV Fund.
“Working in partnership allows us to pull together our resources, giving young people the tools and opportunities they need to get a start in the industry.”
City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said, “It is fantastic news that the new HETV Inspire Sessions are going to be coming to our schools and giving pupils an insight into the sort of career pathways available to them.
“Here in Edinburgh and across Scotland we have an enviable film and television industry and it’s our responsibility to make sure that we nurture and enhance this. I’m looking forward to seeing our pupils get involved in this scheme and I’m sure it’ll be a great success.”
Vicki Ball, HETV First Break and Careers Outreach Manager at ScreenSkills said: “HETV production is growing in Edinburgh, and it’s important that we invest in the local talent that will help the industry continue to thrive.
“That’s why we’re working with local people and partners to help inspire the next generation of talent and help them find their pathway into one of the many roles available”.
The first HETV Inspire Session was held at Firrhill High School, led by industry professional Jackie McCraith-Smith. Running an interactive workshop, she provided pupils with valuable insights into her role as a Locations Manager.
From spill kits to blue shoes and more, they had the opportunity to see up-close some of the kit Location Managers use in their work, highlighting a potential pathway for pupils to enter the industry.
Calum McAlpine, teacher at Firrhill High School said, “The event did more than just provide information; it ignited a genuine interest and passion for the industry. Every school should have them visit!”
BFI Film Academy Short Course for Edinburgh and South East Scotland, delivered by Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE), and the SEE Young Filmmakers Hub
The BFI Film Academy Short Course for Edinburgh and South East Scotland, delivered by Screen Education Edinburgh (SEE), and SEE Young Filmmakers Hub are both projects designed to help aspiring young filmmakers gain practical knowledge and experience, while highlighting the various pathways into the screen industries.
These courses seek to empower learners to pursue their passion for filmmaking, inspiring them to future careers and success within the screen industries
The BFI Film Academy Short Courses offer opportunities for ambitious 16 to 19-year-olds to get to know more about film and how to forge a career in the screen industries. Delivered by Screen Education Edinburgh and supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding, and Screen Scotland, this introductory, hands-on course builds knowledge and skills and shows the different pathways into the industry.
BFI Film Academy Short Courses take place across the UK for talented and committed young people aged 16-19, and they have proven to have an excellent track record of inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and crew.
Participants of the Course will make short films, learn from top talent working in the industry through masterclasses, and acquire the necessary knowledge and experience to build a career within the screen industries.
Not only does this course provide practical filmmaking experience, but also instils confidence, develops teamwork skills and creates a sense of being a part of a community of aspiring screen industry professionals. Along with filmmaking experience, these soft skills are crucial in finding success within the industry.
‘Prior to the BFI, I really lacked in confidence with film equipment and experience on set, and now I feel comfortable vocalising what I need done and know how to achieve it.
‘My biggest achievement on the course was when we were filming, my teammates and I worked well together, communicating and asking each other for help and advise.
‘This cemented the fact that I want film to be my chosen career and that I have new found skills. The course has given me a realistic understanding, as well as an appreciation of the film industry – inspiring me to make films of my own.’ – BFI Film Academy Short Course Participant 2022
Subject to successful completion of required assessments, this course can award learners the Preparing to Work in the Film Industry qualification, an NCFE Level 2 award. This qualification will benefit their professional development, whether through further film education courses or entering the industry.
This course is open to young people aged 16-19 years old, living in the Edinburgh, Clackmannanshire, East Lothian, Falkirk, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, Stirling and West Lothian areas. No prior experience is required.
The deadline for applications is the 24th of September 2023, at 5pm.
More information and the application form can be found at https://www.screen-ed.org/bfifilmacademy.
The BFI Film Academy Edinburgh and South East Scotland Short Course will take place on the following dates:
October 2023 – 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 28th.
November 2023 – 4th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th.
Sessions will take place from 11am to 6pm, while shooting days will last from 10am to 6pm. The sessions taking place on the 24th of October and 14th of November will be online, from 6pm to 8pm.
The course fee is £25; however, for those unable to pay this, we still encourage applying. Bursaries will be available for those who require assistance with fees or travel costs.
We understand that people have different accessibility needs, and that some communicate better through different mediums. Therefore, there is an option to submit a video application, rather than a written online form; further details regarding this can be found here.
In addition, we will be holding an open day for applicants at SEE on the 9th of September, 10am – 1pm. During this drop-in session, we will be on hand to help with the application process, as well as answer any questions.
Supported by the Sean Connery Foundation, the SEE Young Filmmakers Hub offers young people the opportunity to learn more about the art of filmmaking, regardless of their circumstances. Aimed at those aged 12-18 living in Edinburgh, learners will gain experience of working in a variety of filmmaking roles.
From sound and lighting design to cinematography and directing, this practical course provides valuable hands-on training in all aspects of filmmaking, allowing young people the chance to discover new interests and strengths.
Working in groups learners will be tasked with developing, shooting and editing their very own narrative short film. Through this course, we seek to empower young people to create their own ideas and tell stories that are meaningful to them, gaining self-confidence and fostering good teamwork skills.
‘My long term goal is to get into the film industry. I haven’t decided exactly what I want to do but I think I have a clearer idea after this course.
‘It feels like a very effective introduction to film as you gain an understanding of a wide range of different aspects of film, such as directing as well as sound and editing, rather than just one. I gained a lot of confidence with the technical side of filmmaking.’ – Participant Young Filmmakers Hub
The next stage of the Young Filmmakers Hub will take place from September/October to December 2023. Young people aged 12-15 years old living in Edinburgh are eligible to apply. More information and an application form can be found at https://www.screen-ed.org/yfh.
Learners will be split into groups based on age, with the course running on the following dates:
Group 1 (12-14): starting 21st September and continuing every Thursday
Group 2 (14-15): starting 19th September and continuing every Tuesday
Group 3 (16-18): starting 6th September and continuing every Wednesday
SEE is dedicated to making filmmaking accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels. The Hub is free, and no previous filmmaking experience is necessary; the only requirement is a love for films, and a desire to make your own.
Upon completion of this course, learners will be invited to enrol in more year-round filmmaking activities here at SEE. We are committed to providing ongoing support and development, nurturing the talents of aspiring filmmakers and empowering them to pursue their passion further.
Culture and business will be able to connect in new and exciting ways thanks to the launch of a new Marketplace initiative, pioneered by Culture and Business Scotland (C&BS).
The Culture & Business Marketplace Scotland is the first-of-its-kind online platform that will match up businesses looking to expand their creative horizons with culture organisations seeking support in delivering their creative ideas.
A range of Scottish creative organisations have already committed to participating in the Marketplace pilot, including household names such as the Scottish Book Trust, Scottish Ensemble, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Screen Education Edinburgh.
Launching today (Wednesday May 17) the platform will work similarly to a database, where these pilot not-for-profit culture organisations will be able to list their products or services as ‘sellers’.
Businesses, or potential ‘buyers’, will then browse the available opportunities using filters such as ‘supporting innovation, creative thinking and problem solving in the workplace’ and ‘improving staff health and wellbeing’ to find culture organisations that would be well-suited to fit a gap, combat an existing challenge or fulfil a specific target.
David Watt, CEO of Culture & Business Scotland, said: “Past experiences have shown us that giving businesses and culture organisations the opportunity to forge meaningful connections is hugely empowering, not only for those organisations involved but for wider society as well, and the impacts have the potential to reverberate for generations to come.
“The launch of our Marketplace initiative will increase those opportunities, both in number and in scope, and help to ensure that organisations from both sectors are equipped for a more innovative, forward-thinking future.”
Being given the opportunity to connect and receive backing from businesses can be transformational for creative organisations. In 2021 the Edinburgh-based Living Memory Association partnered with Leith’s Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre through Culture & Business Scotland’s already established match-funding scheme, the C&BS Fund, a precursor to the Marketplace initiative.
The funding enabled Living Memory Association to make use of two vacant units as exhibition spaces. The initial offering of two units grew to include the use of a whole empty 6000 square metre store across two floors, which the Living Memory Association used to facilitate reminiscence as a means of engaging people with heritage, recording their memories and combatting loneliness and social isolation in the process.
The community-focused nature of Ocean Terminal’s location enabled the organisation to reach a wider audience than would have otherwise been possible, raising the Living Memory Association’s profile and creating a positive snowball effect, as it was then able to attract further funding and opportunities.
Ocean Terminal, meanwhile, benefitted from the increased footfall into what would have otherwise been an abandoned space, with the resulting added social value surpassing expectations and generating positive impacts in ways that the retail centre had previously not experienced.
Mark Haywood, Living Memory Association Director, said: “This has been a phenomenal partnership for The Living Memory Association and investment from Culture & Business Scotland made it possible.
“It has raised the profile of The Living Memory Association, led us into new areas of work and allowed us to support a whole range of fascinating artistic and heritage endeavour. It has meant we can support individuals and groups to showcase and develop their work and bring them into direct contact with the public.
“We have used the new units to engage people and work with older people to record their memories and value their life experience. All activities are free, taking art and heritage straight into the heart of the community. We are extremely grateful to Culture & Business Scotland and Ocean Terminal for their support to our work”.
Michelle MacLeod, Ocean Terminal Manager, added: “We could not have believed that this partnership would be so socially and economically beneficial to The Centre and we hope to be able to further develop this collaboration going into the future and incorporating this work into the new developments currently underway at Ocean Terminal.”
Funding facilitated by Culture & Business Scotland has also enabled creative organisations to make scientific ideas accessible through the arts, as Edinburgh Science Foundation discovered after being partnered with Cirrus Logic through the C&BS Fund.
As a leading global semiconductor supplier, Cirrus Logic’s commitment to promoting science, technology, engineering, and maths amongst young people underpins the company’s support of the Edinburgh Science Festival. Last year, sponsorship from Cirrus Logic enabled the creation of several new activities at the festival, helping to encourage awareness about Scottish flora and fauna through a photography exhibition and multi-sensory, immersive experiences which incorporated visual and artistic elements.
Subsequent analysis of the event found that its messaging around climate change and the natural world impacted on visitors’ behaviour and attitudes, whilst Cirrus Logic benefitted from the comprehensive marketing and publicity activity surrounding the festival.
For more information on the Culture & Business Marketplace Scotland, please visit:
