2016 FilmG shortlist announced

Issued by FilmG

FilmG, MG ALBA’s Gaelic Short Film Competition, has announced the shortlists for this year’s competition with budding filmmakers, community groups and school groups from around the country making the final cut. 

This year’s FilmG theme, ‘Cliù’ (Fame/Reputation) inspired an array of new ideas and stories from filmmakers making it an exciting yet difficult job for the jury to pick out the best from this year’s entries.

The jury panels comprised of a variety of directors, producers and scriptwriters currently working in the industry. They included Angus Mackay, Director of Corran Media Productions, based in Stornoway. Angus has previously been on the jury and was very impressed with this year’s films. He said:

"FilmG is a fantastic competition that’s fulfilling a very important function in encouraging both amateurs and young professionals to make more films in Gaelic. I was greatly encouraged by the rise in the overall quality of entries since I last served as a judge - that in itself is a great testament to FilmG’s success. This year’s entries show that we have young people in the industry with great development potential, but also that there are people in the wider Gaelic community that already have the talent to produce compelling content of their own. I would warmly encourage them to continue to use and develop these talents.”

With 54 films, we saw the largest entry yet in the Youth category and the jury found it very hard to narrow down their selections. A number of Highland Schools prevailed however, with Dingwall Academy, Gairloch High School, Tain Royal Academy, Lochaber High School, Mallaig High School and Ardnamurchan High School all making the final cut with films ranging from modern interpretations of historical myths to the classic ‘whodunit’ detective stories.

Again this year the FilmG team have been encouraging young people to make films without the support of their school. Two of these youngsters that have been shortlisted are from Skye. Ross McKenzie from Sleat wrote, shot and starred in his own mini gangster film, ‘An t-Sireadh’ (The Search). He has been shortlisted for both Best Young Filmmaker and Best Mobile Short. Alice Dickson, from Braes, also made the shortlist for Best Young Filmmaker with her documentary ‘A’ Cumail Gàidhlig Beò’ (Keeping Gaelic Alive). She interviewed local Gaelic speakers about the importance of the language today.

In the Open category, Kirsty Scott, a teacher at Bun Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis has also made an impact. Her film, which she made with her primary seven class, has been shortlisted for the Best Community Film, the Best Drama and the lead actress, Kirsty O’ Reilly, has also been shortlisted for her performance in the film.

Councillor Hamish Fraser, Chair of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Implementation Group said, “I’d like to congratulate all the schools in the Highlands who are in the finals. It is terrific to realise how much creative talent exists in communities across Scotland, particularly amongst the young people. The organisers should also be congratulated for providing this wonderful opportunity for those studying Gaelic to showcase their work so professionally, and also to recognise the rich value of our Gaelic heritage within the creative industries.  

“Promoting the Arts, Media and Heritage is one of the strategic aims of our Councils Gaelic Language Plan as we recognise they add value and strengthen linguistic development across all ages and generations in our communities. I am sure people taking part feel inspired and look forward to next year’s event.”  

All the shortlists are now available online on the FilmG website, where you can also view all the entries in this year’s competition. The winners will be announced at the prestigious FilmG awards ceremony taking place at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow on Friday 19 February. Keep an eye on social media for information about tickets.