Budding film-makers and pupils from the Isle of Skye scoop awards at national Gaelic film ceremony as stars of the big screen turn out
Issued on behalf of FilmG / MG ALBA
Budding film makers and pupils from the Isle of Skye have won top awards at FilmG, the National Gaelic Film Awards, which in its fifth year running, was held at The Arches, Glasgow on Friday night (22 March).
Stars of the big screen turned out to present a number of awards at MG ALBA’s prestigious Gaelic screen talent ceremony, including renowned Scottish actors, Jayd Johnson, BAFTA winner 2012 for Field of Blood and former River City star, and Laura McMonagle who starred in ‘Ae fond Kiss’ and ‘The Wee Man’ this year alongside Martin Compston.
This year’s competition theme was ‘Acras/Miann’ (Hunger/Desire) which inspired an array of new ideas for filmmakers in both the 12-17 age-group and the adult category, with a total of 62 films being submitted.
S2 pupils from Portree High School have won the FilmG Award for Gaelic for their short film ‘Eilean nam Miann’ (Island of Desire). In this film a poor crofter is fed up of his daily life and when he wins the opportunity to go to Eilean nam Miann, he grabs the chance! But will everything end up as he desired? This award was sponsored by The Scottish Government and presented by Dr Alasdair Allan MSP.
Also from the Isle of Skye, S1 pupil at Portree High School, Molly Robertson has taken home the Best Production Award for her film ‘Mo Ghàradh’ (My Garden), which looks at birds, Bond and gossip, offering a bird’s eye view of the garden. The Best Production Award was sponsored by Argyll & Bute Council and presented by Gaelic singer Linda MacLeod alongside Siobhan MacInnes, presenter on BBC ALBA’s popular childrens programme Dè a-nis?.
Winning Best Community Film in the adult category is Kyleakin Connections, for their short film ‘Na Gaisgaich Acrach’, about a day out with fun, frivolity and chips! The Best Community Film Award was sponsored by The Highland Council and presented by TV producer, presenter and actor, Tony Kearney, alongside Sally Howitt of River City.
Rachel Stridgeon from Skye and a student at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, won the Best Factual Award,in the adult category, for her film, ‘Dè an Còrr a dh’iarras Mise?’ (What More Could I Wish For). The film follows the life of Margaret MacLean, a humble woman, with a humble life. As we take a brief look at her life, we learn that we can be content with the small things that are worth fighting and waiting for. The Best factual Award was sponsored by MG ALBA and presented by Reporting Scotland presenter Alasdair Fraser and weather girl Kirsteen Macdonald.
All winners are listed below, with all film entries in this year’s FilmG competition available to view online at www.filmg.co.uk.
Actress Laura McMonagle said: “It was a great honour to attend and support the FilmG Awards this year. My boyfriend is a film director and it’s encouraging to see so much new talent being presented from up and coming generations. It’s very refreshing to see the Gaelic language and those learning it showcase their work in such a professional and creative style – it’s great for Scottish media and even better for Gaelic and its culture.”
Michael Hines, director and FilmG judge, said: “I am delighted to have been a judge for this year’s FilmG competition and it’s a great honour to present the People’s Choice Award at such a wonderful event, because after all - the people are the real judges of our work.”
Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA said: “This year’s FilmG has been very exciting with a number of budding film-makers and schools taking part for the first time. The quality of films continues to impress our judging panel year on year and we are encouraged by the enthusiasm for FilmG and the level of creative talent that it uncovers.
“We congratulate all award winners but would also like to extend our praise to everyone who took the time and effort to produce a short film for FilmG 2013. The calibre of entries was extremely high this year and we very much look forward to next year’s FilmG.”
Also presenting awards were TV producer, presenter and actor, Tony Kearney, Sally Howitt of River City, Shane O’ Meara and Kirstie Steele, both of Waterloo Road, and acclaimed Director Michael Hines. A host of faces and voices from BBC ALBA were also in attendance, including Reporting Scotland presenter Alasdair Fraser and weather girl Kirsteen Macdonald. Hosts on the night were Fiona MacKenzie, face of BBC ALBA, and Niall Iain Macdonald, TV & radio presenter.
FilmG has unearthed a wealth of creative talent since it was established five years ago, and was named Best Cultural Event at the 2012 Scottish Event Awards.
Entertainment on the night was provided by ‘Macanta’, offering an all original blend of Gaelic American and folk music with all songs being written by Dòl Eòin Mackinnon from the Isle of Harris who also took home three of the evening’s awards for his Music Video entry.