Record breaking year for Celtic Media festival’s call for entries
Entries for Celtic Media Festival 2015’s Bronze Torc Awards for Excellence have exceeded previous years’ figures, with a record breaking 500 entries submitted to festival organisers. Beating both 2013 and 2014 entries by 28% and 30% respectively, 2015 entries showcase the quality of productions both inspired by Celtic language and culture, and those whose production companies are based in Celtic regions and nations.
The dedication to nurturing talent and creating outstanding productions on screen and in broadcasting is evident in the consistently high standard of submitted entries, that in past years has resulted in shortlisted productions including The Fall, Y Gwyll/ Hinterland, Dá la’ san Damhair, Doctor Who and more.
With strong representation across Brittany, Cornwall, Galicia, Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales a shortlist of some of the finest films, TV and radio productions and digital media to emerge from the Celtic nations and regions over the past year will be selected by an international jury.
A total of 20 Torc Awards will be presented at next year’s festival, and the variety of categories will celebrate the wealth of film, television, radio and digital media on offer from the Celtic nations and regions.
The 36th Celtic Media Festival, held at Eden Court Inverness from 22nd – 24th April 2015 and supported by the Highland Council, VisitScotland Conference Bid Fund, Inverness Common Good Fund and Creative Scotland as well as broadcasters and broadcast authorities from the Celtic nations and regions, will see hundreds of delegates enjoy a packed festival programme in the Scottish city.
Full information on the Call for Entries and award categories are available at http://www.celticmediafestival.co.uk/
Festival Producer Catriona Logan, said: “We're absolutely delighted with the increase in entries for the 2015 festival. What really shines through is the outstanding quality of all the productions entered. Our national and international juries are going to have a hard time trying to choose a winner in each category. Roll on 2015 and a fantastic Celtic Media Festival in Inverness!”
Provost of Inverness, Councillor Alex Graham welcomed the news of the record breaking level of entries for the Celtic Media Festival. He said: “The Highland Council is delighted that Inverness will be hosting this prestigious international festival at Eden Court after a 24 year absence from the capital of the Highlands. Not only will the festival boost the local economy through increased visitors to the area, it also supports The Highland Council’s commitment to the Gaelic language and Celtic culture.”
Celtic Media Festival 2015 will take place at Eden Court, Inverness from 22nd – 24th April 2015, having been held in the Scottish city twice before in 1987 and 1991 and elsewhere in Scotland seven times.
The festival will showcase the best work from Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Cornwall, Brittany and Galicia. The festival is expected to attract some of the biggest names in the broadcasting and film world to the city. Previous high profile guests include Tilda Swinton, Rhys Ifans, Peter Mullan, Ken Loach, The Killing Director Birger Larsen, My Mad Fat Diary writer/showrunner Tom Bidwell, and Doctor Who and Torchwood producer Russell T Davies. Although the festival is primarily for industry delegates, there will be a wider programme of events – full details of the festival programme, delegate registration and how to purchase tickets will be announced early next year.