Joy as Ross-shire students win film prizes
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GAELIC students from Ross-shire are celebrating after they were honoured in a nationwide film competition.
Eilidh Johnson (18), from Dingwall, and Tain Royal Academy’s Jack Weir and Gordie Bryce were among the winners in the annual Gaelic film competition, FilmG.
And Ms Johnson, who studies at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Sleat on Skye, had double the reason to celebrate after picking up two titles from three nominations. Her thought-provoking film Glaiste, a stop-motion piece about mental health, won best mobile short and also earned her the title of HIE’s most promising young director. Her work was also one of the shortlisted finalists for best student film.
Jack Weir and Gordie Bryce, meanwhile, were named best young filmmakers for their film Fàisneachd Dedrick (Dedrick’s Prophecy) about a businessman struggling to come to terms with his wife’s death.
Ross-shire’s impressive representation in the finals also extended to Alness Academy, which made the shortlist for the FilmG award for Gaelic learners with its effort Gaol anns a’ Chogadh (Wartime Love). The title ultimately went elsewhere in the Highlands, after Millburn Academy won with their gripping film, Unknowing.
The annual short film competition began in 2008. It is run by MG ALBA and Cànan Graphics and was established to help the development of Gaelic through film.
Murdo MacSween, communications manager at MG ALBA, said: “I am over the moon with the quality of the films at this year’s awards. It is wonderful to see so much young talent nurturing their Gaelic language skills – and being rewarded for it.”
Elsewhere among the Highland winners was Inverness man Calum MacLean, who won best industry director for his experimental film Fo Bhuaidh. Mr MacLean is best known for his appearances on the BBC’s The Social platform and BBC ALBA’s wild swimming series Dhan Uisge.
