Talented youngsters honoured at FilmG awards
HIGHLANDS and Islands entrants swept the board at the ninth FilmG awards.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney presented the best youth film award to youngsters from Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s summer school An Sgoil Shamhraidh Dràma for their film Faigh WiFi.
Fèisean nan Gàidheal drama officer Angus MacLeod said: ‘I’m really excited for them. It’s great for them to take part in the competition and bring their work to a wider audience.’
Kate Bradley, a fifth-year pupil at Ardnamurchan High School, won the new youth sports commentary award for her work covering the women’s shinty Valerie Fraser Cup Final.
Kate, who was presented with her award by Scottish footballer Gemma Fay, said: ‘When my name was read out, I was really excited. I enjoy the media side of Gaelic and would be interested in keeping this up.’
Ardnamurchan High School head teacher Christopher Millar- Craig said: ‘ We are all very proud of Kate’s success. She is an excellent shinty player with a keen interest in the sport and in Gaelic. We hope to see more of her on BBC Alba in the future.’
Stornoway’s Nicholson Institute pupils were presented with the prize for Best Fluent Gaelic for their comedy
Strì na Dìleab by actress Dolina MacLennan. Their rector Dr Frances Murray said: ‘It’s a fitting accolade to a group of pupils who have come through Gaelic medium education from primary school to sixth year. I’m very pleased for them and the award is proudly displayed in the school.’ She added: ‘It’s nice to have this as encouragement for future generations of Gaelic medium pupils.’
Uilleam MacDhùghaill from Barra received the Best Performance award for his role in Eilean an Dòchais. Catherine NicDhòmhnaill from Harris won the Best
Young Filmmaker award. Portree filmmaker Kerr Gibbs won the best documentary award for Taobh Eile Duilghe.
The award for Best Comedy and the people’s choice award went to Alannah Pheutan, also from Skye, for her entry, Gaidheal Gu Luath.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig student Hannah McKirdy bagged The Best Performance Award for her role in the comedy, Cheating Our Language.
Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, said: ‘This year’s FilmG has been bigger and better than before and we have been impressed with the level of entries across every category. Congratulations to this year’s winners and to everyone who dedicated a lot of time and effort in creating a short film entry.’
The awards ceremony was held in Glasgow on Friday February 17 and hosted by BBC Alba’s Fiona MacKenzie and radio presenter Niall Iain Macdonald.