A SCHEME to develop filmmaking talent among Gaelic-language speakers has had its immediate future assured by the awarding of a £20,000 grant by the Scottish Government.
An awards ceremony this evening showcasing the best of Gaelic filmmaking was used to confirm the funding announcement.
Being presented by, among others, Scots actor and filmmaker, Peter Mullan, tonight’s FilmG awards ceremony recognised work by young people, aged between 12 and 17, as well as adults. FilmG is run by the Gaelic Media Service, MG ALBA, which partners with the BBC to create BBC ALBA.
Seventy-one entries were received by the awards organisers. The £20,000 funding package, towards the next year of FilmG, was announced by Scottish Government culture minister, Fiona Hyslop.
In a statement issued by the organisers, Hyslop is quoted, saying: “Research shows our investment in Gaelic is delivering economic benefits for the whole of Scotland. FilmG is making a valuable contribution to the success of our world-leading creative industries, by identifying and nurturing emerging filmmaking talent and offering training opportunities for Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers alike.”
In the same statement, Alasdair Morrison, chair of MG ALBA, is also quoted, saying: “We have been absolutely delighted at the success of FilmG over the first three years since it was launched. The quality of productions submitted in the competition has improved greatly year on year and we have been very encouraged by this year’s finalists, many of whom have shown some real sparkle.
“FilmG provides opportunities in the world of Gaelic digital media with some previous finalists going on to showcase their talents at film festivals around the world. This additional funding will allow FilmG to develop and take it to the next level for its fourth consecutive year, as we aim to reach untapped new filmmaking audiences both young and old through enhanced training resources.”
The winners’ list reads:
Film as Fheàrr / Best Film – 12-17 age group
Àrd-sgoil Sheumais Ghillespie – S3&5/ James Gillespies High School – S3&5
Òran Anam/ Song of his Soul
Riochdachadh as Fheàrr / Best Production – 12-17 age group
Àrd-sgoil Sheumais Ghillespie – S4/ James Gillespies High School – S4
Càirdeas/ Friendship
Cluich as Fheàrr / Best Performance - 12-17 age group
Raonaid Robasdan/ Rachel Robertson
Ceumanan Beaga, Àrd-sgoil Mhalaig – B2/ Little Steps, Mallaig High School – group 2
Sgriobt as Fheàrr / Best Script - 12-17 age group
Acadamaidh Allt a’ Mhuilinn/ Millburn Academy
Caoracnaphobia/ Sheepaphobia
Duais Cuspair FilmG / FilmG Theme award – 12-17 age group
Sgoil Shàmhraidh Drama – B1/ Fèisean nan Gàidheal Drama summer school – group 1
Buaidh neo Bàs/ All or Nothing
Dràma Goirid as Fheàrr / Best Drama Short – Adult
Aodainn/ Faces
Paul Steele
Aithris Goirid as Fheàrr / Best Factual Short – Adult
Bho Blythswood le Gaol/ From Blythswood with Love
Phoenix VP (Inverness-based filmmakers Cathey Reece and Kirree Seddon)
Stiùiriche Ùr as Fheàrr: (Inntrigeach Ùr) / Best First-time Director (New Entrant) – Adult
Leabhar na Beatha/ Book of Life
Keith Patrick
Stiùiriche Ùr as Fheàrr: (Gnìomhachas) / Best First-time Director (Industry) – Adult
Aodainn/ Faces
Paul Steele
Film Oileanach as Fheàrr / Best Student Film – Adult
Obair Là/ A Working Day
Jenny Forbes
Stiùiriche Oileanaich as Fheàrr / Best Director (Student) – Adult
Làmh an Uachdar/ The Upper Hand
Shawn Hastings
Cluich as Fheàrr / Best Performance – Adult
Obair Là/ A Working Day
Alasdair Forbes
