BBC Alba Gaelic short film contest finalists unveiled

THIS year’s prestigious Gaelic short film competition FilmG 2022 have been inspired by nature, environmental issues and the great outdoors.

Many films followed this year’s competition theme Lorg, which means search, find or trace, with some shortlisted films exploring the outdoors, getting closer to nature and appreciating and protecting the environment.

Nominees have now been confirmed across 17 categories and all the shortlisted films are available to watch on the FilmG website.

The competition received 91 entries this year, which covered various different stories and current events, and the judges had a tough job whittling down the entries over multiple days.

On the environmental theme, eponymous Uilleam Uaine (Green William) is in Staffin to help the pupils to make the right choices for the environment, in a film of the same name which was written and produced by pupils at Staffin Primary School on the Isle of Skye. It has been shortlisted as the Best Production (Under 12).

A film by pupils at Sgoil Bhagh a’ Chaisteil on the Isle of Barra called ‘Cosgais A Churaim’, (The Cost of Caring) which looks into the effects of disposable face masks on our environment, has been nominated for Best Documentary.

Dihaoinean airson Teachd (Fridays of the Future) tells the story of a scientist who wants to save the world with a potion she has invented to create an Eco Superhero. However, the wrong people keep drinking it. Made by pupils at Craighill Primary School in Tain, this film has also been shortlisted as the Best Production (Under 12).

Several films explore the great outdoors including a film about hillwalking and scrambling as a way to get a new perspective on the world from beyond the cold, dark glens and high above the clouds.

Called ‘Thar Nan Sgòth - Beinn Eighe’ (Above the Clouds – Beinn Eighe) this film, made by Anndra Cuimeanach from Gairloch, has been nominated for Best Documentary and Best Young Filmmaker in the Youth Category (12-17).

Also in the Youth Category a film by Emma Rose Passmore from Harris called ‘Falaichte Ann an Roghdal’ (Hidden in Rodal) which looks at the secret history of Roghdal in Harris, has been nominated for Best Documentary and Best Young Filmmaker.

In the Open category a short documentary called ‘A' Mhuir’ (The Sea) about wild swimming and the students at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in the Isle of Skye who take part in the sport, has been nominated for Best Film, Film Duthchais, Best Performance (Somhairle MacIain), Best Student Film and Best Director (Anna Garvin).

‘Am Buaile Dubh’ by Eòghan Stiùbhart from Inverness, which takes a look around Am Buaile Dubh on the outskirts of Inverness, has been nominated for Best Film, Film Duthchais (which translates as best heritage or community film), Best Performance (Eòghan Stiùbhart), Best Director and Best Script.

Meanwhile, a spoof of outdoor programmes called ‘Rachamaid’ by Ross Young from Inverurie has been shortlisted for Best Performance (Ross Young) and Best Student Film.

Karen Elder, a journalist for An Là is a Scottish Gaelic-language news programme broadcast on the Gaelic-language channel, BBC Alba, was one of the judges this year.

She said: "It was a privilege to once again be a part of the judging panel for FilmG.

"There was a wide variety of films entered, from strong documentaries to comedy. It was no small task."

The shortlisted films can be watched on the FilmG website. FilmG is the Gaelic short film competition, funded by MG Alba and delivered by Cànan Graphics Studio on the Isle of Skye.

The winners of this year’s prestigious Gaelic Short Film Competition FilmG will be revealed on BBC ALBA from 9pm on Friday, February 25 via a new, specially created, awards programme broadcast from Stornoway.

The show will be hosted by FilmG and BBC Alba stalwarts Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald.

For more information and to view the full shortlist, visit www.filmg.co.uk