Glasgow filmmakers up for Gaelic awards
ANUMBER of filmmakers from Glasgow have been shortlisted for the 2020 Gaelic short film competition, FilmG. This year had a record number of entries. One hundred and three entries were submitted in total, including 23 films to the open category, 75 films made by young people aged 5-18, and five scripts.
The competition is now well-established in schools and with Gaelic speakers and filmmakers across the country, and voting for The People’s Choice Award is now closed.
The winners will be announced on the 14th of February.
Christine Morrison, a documentary producer with 25 years of experience was on this year’s Youth judging panel.
She was more than pleased with the quality of entries: “It was a pleasure to watch the many original, inventive films made by talented young film-makers as a member of the FilmG 12 to 17 youth category judging panel. Competition was tough as film-makers tackled a wide range of subject matter with verve and style.”
This year’s theme for entries was “Treòraich”, meaning ‘guide, or lead’, and was interpreted by the filmmakers in a variety of clever, funny, serious and inspiring ways.
The shortlists showcase a wide variety of film styles, from time-travelling comedy and classic who-dunnits to bicycle travelogues, historical documentaries and commentary on social media and the Gaelic language itself.
Two Glasgow schools have received nominations for the ‘youth’ category, which received a record 75 entries.
Glendale Gaelic Primary School in Glasgow (Bunsgoil Ghàidhlig Ghleann Dail) has received a nomination in the Best Youth Group Film category for its film, ‘An Coidse’, which uses sport to show the importance of being a good leader.
Glasgow Gaelic School (Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu) has been nominated for two Best Performance nominations.
Connor Galbraith, a pupil at the school, received a nomination for his performance in their police drama, ‘Fo Chasaid Mhùirt’, while Alice Gordon, a fellow pupil, was nominated for her performance in ‘Solas’, which sees a young boy able to do the right thing in difficult circumstances.
Alice Gordon has also been nominated in the Best Young Filmmaker category for her own film ‘An Losgann agus An Sgairp’, which shows us the darker side of vlogging.
Glasgow filmmaker Hamish
MacLeòid has received two nominations for his climbing film, ‘Aig an Oir’, in both the Best Film and Best Industry Director categories of the Open section.
FilmG Project Officer, Ross Christie said the competition showcased Gaelic ‘Creatives’.
He said: “It’s encouraging to see entrants from every part of the Gaelic community - from primary and secondary schools, to students, professionals in the industry and amateur filmmakers of all ages.
“It’s clear that every one of them has a story they want to tell, and FilmG provides the perfect medium for this, and brings the work of Gaelic creatives to the fore.”
Murdo MacSween, communications manager for MG ALBA also added: “FilmG is an integral part of the Gaelic media environment, sparking creativity and developing talent to the extent where the next step could be employment and a career working in the sector. The quality of the films has been outstanding this year and it will be an exciting awards ceremony.”