Film by five Edinburgh Napier students wins big at FilmG Awards

Date posted

27 February 2017

08:05

Last updated

14 June 2022

A film made by five Edinburgh Napier University students has scooped two awards at a national celebration of Gaelic Film. 

Gàidheal gu Luath was written, produced and filmed by Alannah Beaton, a third year Acting for Stage and Screen student, Andrew Weir and Andrew Bilbie, both third year Acting and English, Kirstin Macdougall, third year Psychology and Shannon Coll, a third year student studying Nursing. It was filmed on the University’s Sighthill campus.

Spearheaded by Alannah, the tongue-in-cheek film, which sets out to create a perfect treatment to generate the perfect Gael, took home Best Comedy and the much-anticipated People’s Choice award at the ninth annual FilmG awards.

Organised by MG ALBA (the Gaelic Media Service), FilmG is a prestigious celebration of Gaelic screen talent and took place within The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow (Friday, 17 February).

Hosted by Fiona MacKenzie, face of BBC ALBA, and Niall Iain Macdonald, this year’s competition theme was 'Strì/Endeavour' which inspired an array of fun and engaging films and scripts by promising filmmakers, schools, and community groups from all over Scotland. In total 105 entries were submitted across the various categories. 

John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, with ministerial responsibility for Gaelic, was also in attendance and presented the Best Film in the youth category.

Alannah Beaton, who is originally from the Isle of Skye, is delighted that her work has been recognised. She said: “We had a wonderful time making the film and to win two awards was just a bonus. It brilliant for me to work with Andrew and Andrew on this project because although they don’t speak the language they are so passionate about it. We are excited to keep making Gaelic films and will support and encourage anybody else who sets out to do so.”

Edinburgh Napier offers a wide range of acting for stage and screen, film and TV-orientated courses as part of its School of Arts and Creative Industries. It is also a partner in Screen Academy Scotland, a collaboration between the University and Edinburgh College of Art which is dedicated to fostering the future of film makers.

Donna Soto-Morettini, senior lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “It's great to see students from both of our Acting courses working together with other undergraduates to explore the medium of short film so successfully, and really gratifying to hear about the awards.  We do our best to encourage students to seek out opportunities for themselves, even while in residence, and we hope that Edinburgh Napier's emphasis on practical industry skills has been an inspiration for them to 'kickstart' their careers even before graduating.”

Images and video courtesy of FilmG.

Watch the award-winning film here