One in 100 deaths worldwide are connected to suicide. In Scotland, that accounts for over 700 people a year and three-quarters of these are men.
A new BBC ALBA Trusadh documentary, Big Boys Don’t Cry, will air during National Suicide Awareness Week on Monday 9 September at 9pm with presenter Derek ‘Pluto’ Murray meeting people whose lives have been affected by mental health struggles and suicide.
Professor Rory O’Connor from the University of Glasgow, is Professor of Health Psychology, Director of the ‘Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory’, and leads research into suicide and self-harm. Discussing the support available, Professor O’Connor says: “We did some work recently looking at trying to understand male suicide specifically and one of the messages that came back time and time again was that the services and support out there are not tailored to their needs. We have this traditional model of expecting men to go to clinical services; well, that might work for some people, but what about actually going to places that men are? Why don’t we go to places like football clubs, rugby clubs, the shinty club, whatever it might be, and use that as a mechanism of support.”
This is particularly important in a rural context. Professor O’Connor continues: “We’re trying to make sense of why the suicide rates are particularly high there. Part of that is linked to access to services, and part of that is linked to the fact that if you live in rural communities, the likelihood of being socially isolated is increased. There’s also this idea people talk about of ‘living in a fish bowl’, that you’re less likely to talk about your emotions, your feelings, or if there’s problems going on in your life because you’re concerned about what your neighbours or friends might think.
“Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, it’s not a sign of weakness, so we need to engrain that in our young people. But we also need to ensure that the services and support out there is tailored to these men.”
Patrick Mullery from the ‘James Support Group’ explains: “We offer support – monthly meetings in various locations. There’s 10 actually, all the way from Thurso down to Fort William, across to Elgin, Inverness and lots of places in between. It’s a group setting, it’s specifically for people who are bereaved by a suicide but also for people who have suicidal thoughts. We bring those two types of people together for mutual support and understanding – the hope is that people who have suicidal thoughts will see the devastation that is left behind in an attempt to give them another barrier to stop them going that extra step. To actually just make them stay with us and realise that they are loved and they would be missed.
“We’ve all got emotions and we have to break the stigma around poor mental health and about suicide. Boys can cry and the best thing to do for yourself, if you’re in a bad place, is talk about it. Unfortunately, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”
In Glasgow, Derek visits Drumchapel-based charity ‘Men Matter Scotland’ to find out more about their approach to offering support and how they have created a safe place for men to visit. From street outreach to the facilities available at the welcoming hub, the team hope to build a self-sustaining and secure model that can be shared with other parts of Scotland. Vice chair D I Brown says: “What is most important is that people talk. If people don’t start to speak about this, it will be hidden and more men will die from suicide. I’d say that people need to open up and be open.”
Professor O’Connor adds: “People sadly still believe that if you ask somebody about suicide, or if you talk about suicide, that you make it more likely that you’ll plant the idea in somebody’s head. There’s no evidence for that. Indeed, the evidence is for the opposite – suicide prevention is everyone’s business – and I mean that sincerely.
“We all have a role that we can play in preventing suicide. Anything we can do, no matter how big or small – a WhatsApp message, a text message, a phone call – anything that reaches out to someone who might be struggling, that sense of connection could be potentially lifesaving. I would encourage everybody and anybody, if you’re concerned about a loved one, a friend, a colleague, please reach out… That sense of human connection could save a life.”
Filmed and produced by Stornoway-based MacTV, Big Boys Don’t Crypremieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Monday 9 September at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles). Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0022vyn
Hundreds of filmmakers from all over Scotland are busy planning and scripting their entries for FilmG as the annual competition opens once again.
With distinct competitions for under 18s and over 18s, participants are challenged to create Gaelic-language films under five minutes in length, to be submitted by the deadline of 9 December 2024.
In line with this year’s visual motif of Crathadh (to shake up), the competition has launchedwith a few surprises.
Filmmakers are no longer being asked to create a film based on a theme – entries are instead open to the creative license of any subject.
FilmG Project Director, Murdo MacSween, said, “We’ve listened to the feedback from filmmakers past and present and have decided to shake things up by leaving the FilmG theme open for the first time in the competition’s 17–year history.
“We’re also choosing not to announce the award categories until the new year, allowing us to structure highly competitive categories that will further showcase the diversity and innovation in Gaelic filmmaking.”
Secondary schools across Scotland are currently planning their filmmaking workshops, delivered by FilmG’s dedicated tutors, and engagement with aspiring entrants will start in earnest with the FilmG team attending the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig freshers’ events in Skye.
MG ALBA’s Head of Publishing, Maggie Taylor, said: “Last year was another leap forward for FilmG and these changes will allow greater scope to unearth the next generation of Gaelic creative talent.
“FilmG is a platform for creativity, collaboration and, ultimately, development and so we’re excited to see what lies ahead in year 17 of this fantastic project.”
FilmG was established ahead of the launch of BBC ALBA in 2008 and has seen a conveyor belt of alumni move into the media industry in Scotland, with former entrants including singer-songwriter Katie Gregson-MacLeod, and acclaimed actress Sorcha Groundsell, lead in the upcoming Gaelic crime thriller An t-Eilean (The Island).
All of last year’s winning films are available to watch via the BBC ALBA YouTube Playlist.
To find out more about FilmG, visit www.filmg.co.uk, and any filmmaker or group wanting to get started can contact the FilmG team directly for support.
Cameron Ferguson has been announced as the opening act for this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, after being named as the winner of a talent search launched in collaboration with BBC ALBA.
BBC ALBA teamed up with The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival to find the best of Scotland’s up-and-coming musical talent last month, with artists from across the Highlands and Islands submitting their best work to win a slot on the Belladrum main stage. Following a rigorous judging process to whittle the budding talent down to a shortlist of just five, Tain-born songwriter Cameron Ferguson has now been chosen by public vote to open the festival in its 20th anniversary year.
Cameron’s music encapsulates a punchy guitar style, with dreamy open chords and hard-hitting lead, combined with bass that locks in with the solidity of the drums. With lush synth sounds and cutting vocals, Cameron presents a unique style.
Since late 2022, Arabella-based Cameron (19) and his band – made up of Glasgow-based Cameron Hill (19), Lanark-based Calum Duncan (19), Alness-based Jamie Mackay (26) and Inverness-based David Bromham (19) – have been tearing into the Scottish music scene, having played at legendary venues, such as King Tuts in Glasgow. To close 2023, Cameron Ferguson supported rising Glasgow stars Declan Welsh and the Decadent West following their sellout Barrowlands show.
Celebrating 20 years of Belladrum – and its longstanding support of Scottish artists – the search brings the spirit of the much-loved family festival to life, with the best talent ‘homegrown in the Highlands and Islands’ now given the opportunity to open the main stage on Thursday 25 July, kicking off the weekend of live music and arts.
Belladrum brings together top musical acts, comedy, cabaret, spoken word, dance, drag and even wrestling as part of the annual family-friendly festival, with Cameron joining the star-studded line-up which includes Deacon Blue, James Arthur, Twin Atlantic and Sugababes.
Cameron Ferguson said: “Our hearts have been warmed by the amount of support during the public vote. It has blown us away. Massive love to everyone who voted, it wouldn’t have been possible without you. Also, a huge thanks to BBC ALBA and the Belladrum team for the opportunity. As an artist from the Highlands, I feel incredibly proud to be opening the Hot House Stage this year.
“The band and I are absolutely ecstatic and can’t wait to get up on that stage to showcase some homegrown rock ‘n’ roll, straight from the Highlands.”
Cameron will also have the opportunity to play an acoustic session in the BBC ALBA studio which will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer as part of the broadcaster’s festival coverage.
Calum McConnell, Commissioning Executive at BBC ALBA, said: “We’re always eager to spotlight emerging, local talent and so it’s great to be able to showcase Cameron’s exciting brand of driving rock music on the main stage of the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival – especially in its milestone 20th anniversary year.
“Belladrum is a highlight in our summer festival schedule, and we are excited to bring the best of the weekend to viewers across the country, thanks to funding from MG ALBA. We look forward to celebrating the vibrant mix of music and arts that Belladrum is known for, and to sharing the performances of this year’s talented line-up with our national audience.”
Dougie Brown, Belladrum festival producer, said: ‘We are delighted to have partnered with BBC ALBA on our talent search to open the main stage and can’t wait to welcome Cameron to the festival. Supporting the next generation of Highlands and Islands artists is at the heart of Belladrum and we look forward to watching Cameron’s journey!”
Musicians were invited to apply to the BBC ALBA Belladrum talent search by submitting a bio and link to their music, with entries judged by a panel of experts, including Megan MacLellan, presenter of BBC Radio nan Gàidheal’s ‘new music’ show Rapal, Scottish folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Julie Fowlis, and Belladrum representatives.
The shortlist then went to public vote on the Belladrum website, with Cameron narrowly beating out fellow finalists and Highlands and Islands natives Ali Macfarlane (a singer-songwriter from the Isle of Skye), Scotstown Dance Band (an indie-ceilidh group from the Western Highlands), HJEM (a dynamic four-piece band born and raised Inverness) and El Sartel (a Scottish indie band from Skye and Lochalsh).
For those unable to attend Belladrum, BBC ALBA will be bringing the best of the festival to viewers at home with its annual live coverage broadcast across the weekend, available on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer. A series of BBC iPlayer exclusives are also set to go live from Friday 26 July, with 33 live sets from a mix of artists performing on the Garden Stage and Hot House Stage, as well as special BBC ALBA acoustic sessions.
Watch live or on demand from Thursday 25 July: Belladrum on BBC ALBA.
BBC ALBA has garnered five nominations at this year’s RTS Scotland Awards, a prestigious event that honours outstanding talent, skills, and creativity in Scottish TV production. These awards are regarded as the benchmark for excellence in the television industry.
The nominations span five categories: Live Event, Documentary and Specialist Factual: Arts & History, Camera, Children’s and Young Journalist presented in memory of George Sinclair.
Margaret Cameron, Director of Content for MG ALBA, said:
“It’s a testament to the consistent high quality of programming created for BBC ALBA that five entries spanning a range of different genres were nominated for RTS Scotland Awards this year. It’s particularly encouraging to see young talent being recognised, with nominations for both Hamish MacLeod and Ailean Beaton in their respective fields. Additionally, we’re delighted that BBC ALBA’s live music and children’s programmes are being acknowledgedas a reflection of the excellent content we have on the channel. Our congratulations to all of the RTS Scotland 2024 nominees. We look forward to finding out the outcome in the coming weeks.”
Here is the full list of BBC ALBA nominations:
The complete list of nominations can be found here.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony hosted by Shereen Cutkelvin and Sanjeev Kohli on Thursday, June 13th, at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow.
A team of Scottish Gaelic speakers have embarked on an educational trip to Nova Scotia to strengthen cultural ties with the allied province.
Celebrating Mìos nan Gàidheal, also known as ‘Gaelic Nova Scotia Month’, the team behind SpeakGaelic – MG ALBA’s Scottish Gaelic learning brand – will travel around the province of Nova Scotia to learn from locals and promote the language to those both new to and fluentin Gaelic.
Over the 10-day trip, SpeakGaelic will visit Halifax, Antigonish, Mabou, Judique, Iona and Sydney to build relationships with the diaspora of Gaels in Canada, celebrating the similarities – and differences – of the unique culture and way of life overseas. Sharing insights and showcasing the resources available, it is hoped the trip will help create a new network of Gaelic-speaking contacts on the other side of the Atlantic.
SpeakGaelic online producer Mirren Buchanan, who coordinated the overseas project, said: “Gaelic is not just a language but a culture endowed with a rich heritage of music, folklore and anthropology, and so it’s such an exciting opportunity for us to visit the Scottish Gaelic communities in Nova Scotia to see how this translates, and plays out, in their daily lives.
“With amazing SpeakGaelic resources now at our fingertips – and available to those around the world – we hope we can attract and inspire learners and speakers of all ages in Nova Scotia to take up, or brush up, on their Gaelic language skills.”
Sionainn MacMullin, from the Office of Gaelic Affairs at Cape Breton Council, said: “May is Mìos nan Gàidheal in Nova Scotia which is a time to celebrate and promote awareness of the history, culture, language, contributions, and achievements of Gaels across the province, supported by the Office of Gaelic Affairs and Comhairle na Gàidhlig | Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia.
“This year’s theme is ‘Gàidhealach nar Cridhe | Gaelic at Heart!’ – so what better way to highlight the history and heritage of Gaelic, which is very much alive today, than with the support of the SpeakGaelic team who will be showcasing just how easy it is to get involved in the language and culture. We hope the series of workshops and events we have planned across the province will encourage all Nova Scotians to engage with Gaelic during the month of May and beyond.”
SpeakGaelic aims to transform the uptake and usage of Gaelic by providing a clear and integrated structure for Gaelic language learning – the most comprehensive approach seen in a generation.
As well as supporting complete beginners, the materials support Gaelic speakers at different levels of fluency to gain confidence to ‘SpeakGaelic’. The exciting and ambitious learning resource offers users in Canada, and across the world, a variety of services from self-guided online learning to media content available through YouTube and social media.
Find out more about SpeakGaelic and start your Scottish Gaelic journey today at https://speakgaelic.scot/.
MG ALBA, the body responsible for ensuring the availability of high-quality television programmes for audiences in Gaelic, is pleased to welcome four new members to its Board.
David Byrne, Catriona Murray, Lachlan Peel and Calum Steele will join as board members from May 1, 2024. Full biographies of each board member are available below.
The appointments have been agreed by Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth MSP, following a competitive recruitment process led by communications regulator Ofcom in Scotland.
Lisa Annette, Mairi Kidd, Ceit-Anna Macleod and Iain MacMillan each step down at their term on MG ALBA’s Board ends.
John Morrison, chair of MG ALBA, said:
“David, Catriona, Lachlan and Calum bring a wide array of talents, skills and experience from media, broadcasting, the public and private sectors, and we are delighted to welcome them to the Board.
“Through our work on BBC ALBA, FilmG, LearnGaelic and SpeakGaelic, MG ALBA has a vital role in not only facilitating Gaelic media but also promoting development, training and the use of Gaelic in Scotland and beyond – bringing with it huge social and economic benefits.
As a Board, we believe we are ready and able to build on this contribution with further investment and resources and this is a case we look forward to making with the input of our four new board members.
On behalf of the Board and staff and colleagues across the sector, I would also like to thank Lisa, Mairi, Ceit-Anna and Iain who conclude their terms with us. Their involvement has been vital in the success of our activities in recent years and we express gratitude for their time and commitment to serving our audiences.”
New appointees – Biographies
David Byrne
A Gaelic speaker from Inverness, David is an entrepreneur and 360° sustainable travel editor. His expertise has led to broadcast work with the BBC, ITV, and LBC, with his writing appearing in publications such as The Sun and The Scotsman. He is a postgraduate alumnus of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, where he also worked in a development role before joining BBC Scotland, working on the multi-award winning current affairs programme, Eòrpa. He is currently vice chair of the Hillhead High School War Memorial Trust.
Catriona Murray
A freelance broadcaster, producer and editor with over 35 years of production experience at the BBC with credits as both a producer and presenter on numerous feature programmes on literature, the arts, music, history and language. Catriona is also a published Gaelic author and served as the Chair of the Gaelic Books Council from 2017 – 2021. She is a native Gaelic speaker based in Glasgow.
Lachlan Peel
A product of Gaelic Medium Education, Lachlan currently works for JP Morgan in Edinburgh having graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in History. During his time at school, Lachlan competed in the short film competition, FilmG, where he won ‘Best Student Film’ and ‘Best Performance’ and has since continued to support the initiative as a judge.
Calum Steele
A recognised senior leader having spent fifteen years as General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation until 2023, where he developed and influenced policy both in Scotland and globally, including the merger that created the Police Service of Scotland. Prior to this, Calum was a police constable and remains on the International Council of Police Representative Associations. He is a native Gaelic speaker currently based in Dollar.
Meet the contestants of Dùbhlain DIY (Instructions Not Included)
Get ready for an electrifying DIY showdown this spring as amateur Scottish duos go head-to-head in a brand new TV challenge series, Dùbhlain DIY (Instructions Not Included).
Airing each Monday at 8.30pm from 6 May, the five-part BBC ALBA original series will follow six pairs – made up of married couples, family members and friends – as they compete for a £2,000 cash prize and the ‘Dùbhlain DIY champions’ title.
Inspiring the nation to ‘do it yourself’ in the name of sustainability, the innovative format will see rookie pairs battle it out in a series of home renovation tasks – with a twist. Without any instructions, demonstrations or even guidelines to follow, the couples will need to bring their differing strengths and creative talents to the competition to see who measures up.
Some may shine while others fall flat as they face a variety of themed challenges, but everything is to play for with one couple being eliminated each week, putting their skills – and relationships – to the test.
Hailing from across Scotland, the Dùbhlain DIY (Instructions Not Included) contestants include:
From basic flat pack furniture to their own creations made out of recycled materials, their imagination will be allowed to run riot, before being tempered by materials, time constraints and often, their own abilities.
Dùbhlain DIY competitor, Tormod Macleod said: “I do occasionally try my hand at DIY. I have built flatpacks like everyone else and have built a couple of basic raised beds for my garden. I do try to fix things when needed as well but I’m certainly not a professional.”
Hoping to learn a few things along the way, his solicitor sister Isabel Macleod added: “I learnt a lot from my dad – he was a fisherman, joiner and builder and could turn his hand to anything. I would often spend time helping him make and repair things but wish I’d learnt more! I always attempt to fix things around the house as I don’t like how wasteful society is. Not sure if I’m very good at some tasks but it’s always worth a try!”
Hosted by TV and radio presenter Derek “Pluto” Murray, alongside main judge musician Iain “Spanish” MacKay – a skilled joiner by trade – the Gaelic duo ensure there will be plenty of laughs along the way. Enlisting the help of an expert guest judge each week, viewers can join in with the excitement and exasperation as the couples vie for the title, with a display of improvisation at its best.
Presenter Derek “Pluto” Murray said: “Get ready for the ultimate test of creativity, ingenuity, and skill with our new DIY competition, pitching challenges with the twist of “instructions not included” – as if flat pack furniture building wasn’t stressful enough! Although the competitors lack in instructions, they excel in enthusiasm and craic.”
Judge Iain “Spanish” MacKay added: “It’s a celebration of the country’s DIY culture – whether an amateur enthusiast or someone who has had to pick up a hammer out of necessity, Dùbhlain DIY will give the viewers something they can relate to, even if it’s just seeing the sheer frustration of attempting even the most basic of DIY tasks. While offering feel-good escapism, we hope it’ll inspire those at home to get out there and start a new project of their own.”
But which couple can prove to the nation that they have what it takes to be the first ever ‘Dùbhlain DIY champions’ and still remain friends?
A joint project between Demus and Seaglass Productions, Dùbhlain DIY (Instructions Not Included) premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Monday 6 May at 8.30pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles), with weekly episodes available every Monday evening. Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z1xn
BBC ALBA has revealed the cast for brand-new TV crime thriller, An t-Eilean (The Island), with acclaimed Scottish actor Sorcha Groundsell taking the lead role.
Gaelic-speaking Sorcha Groundsell (His Dark Materials, Clique, Shetland and Netflix’s The Innocents) will play PC Kat Crichton, a police family liaison officer who returns to her home island as part of the investigation into a brutal and inexplicable murder.
Brought up in Ness on the Isle of Lewis, Sorcha moved to Glasgow at the age of nine to attend the Glasgow Gaelic School. Here, she took up drama classes at the Citizens Theatre and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before moving to London to pursue her acting career. Sorcha broke out in the States in 2018 with her starring role in the Netflix science fiction series The Innocents.
Sorcha Groundsell said: “I’m thrilled to be part of this incredible series and honoured to participate in breaking new ground for the Gàidhlig language. I have been hoping to find an opportunity to bring this element of my personal life, which means so much to me, into my professional work. I can’t think of a better project than An t-Eilean (The Island) to do so. This show feels like a momentous opportunity for us Gaels to share the language, culture and scenery we love so much with the wider world.”
Iain Macrae (Bannan, Outlander and Crowdie and Cream) has been confirmed to play self-made millionaire, Sir Douglas MacLean, while Sagar Radia (Industry, The Good Karma Hospital and Unicorns) will play the role of lead police investigator, DCI Ahmed Halim. The dysfunctional Maclean siblings will be played by Sinead Macinnes (Outlander and A90), and Skye-born actors Meredith Brook (Bannan) and Sam James Smith (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Faustus: That Damned Woman). And in his first ever TV role, Andrew Macinnes from the Isle of Lewis has been confirmed in the part of Sir Douglas’ eldest son and black sheep of the family, Calum.
Edinburgh-based actor, writer and filmmaker Elspeth Turner (Riptide and Marram) will portray Sir Douglas’ murdered wife, Mary. Also appearing in supporting roles will be well-known South Uist actor Daibhidh Walker (Mara: The Seal Wife, An Clò Mòr and Bannan), Lewis-born Tormod Macleod and Carina Macleod, and exciting newcomer Sharyn Ferguson.
The spectacular Amhuinnsuidhe Castle in Harris will be the main location with filming also taking place across Harris, Lewis and Glasgow.
Arabella Page Croft, executive producer at Black Camel Pictures, the producers of An t-Eilean (The Island), said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Sorcha and the rest of the talented An t-Eilean (The Island) cast on this exciting new drama series. Packed full of complex and provocative characters, and set against the stunning Hebridean landscape, we can’t wait for viewers both at home and abroad to be swept away by what we hope is a must-see, ambitious crime thriller.”
BBC ALBA announced the groundbreaking project last month as the biggest Gaelic drama series in the broadcaster’s history, set to hit international screens in 2025 with support from global distributor All3Media International.
David Swetman from All3Media International, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Black Camel Pictures and BBC ALBA on this gripping crime thriller. This is our first Gaelic project and we’re excited to bring the unique and dramatic Hebridean culture, language and landscape to a global audience.”
Co-written by screenwriter/creator Nicholas Osborne (producer of Remember Me and License to Wed) and screenwriter, Patsi Mackenzie (Buidheagain and An Clò Mòr), and directed by Tom Sullivan (Arracht), An t-Eilean (The Island) sees four troubled siblings gather at their family home in the Outer Hebrides as their father is questioned over the mysterious death of their mother.
With the cast confirmed and filming now underway, Bill Macleod, Commissioning Editor at BBC ALBA, added: “We’ve brought together an amazing cast of brilliant actors for this ground-breaking project. With the breathtaking Isle of Harris as our setting, An t-Eilean (The Island) will bring Gaelic language, culture and story-telling to audiences around the world.”
Black Camel Pictures will produce An t-Eilean (The Island), created by Nicholas Osborne and co-written by Patsi Mackenzie, with Tom Sullivan as director
BBC ALBA has commissioned a brand-new TV crime thriller (4 x 60’) which will be the biggest and most high-profile Gaelic drama series in the channel’s history.
With a budget of over £1 million per episode, the ambitious four-part series, An t-Eilean (The Island), is set to put Gaelic-language drama on the global map with a gripping storyline from screenwriter/creator Nicholas Osborne (producer of Remember Me and License to Wed), co-written by screenwriter Patsi Mackenzie (Buidheagain and An Clò Mòr).
Produced by BAFTA-winning Black Camel Pictures (makers of hit TV show Annika) and directed by Tom Sullivan (best known for his award-winning film Arracht), An t-Eilean (The Island) is set to air to an international audience with support from MG ALBA and global distributor, All3Media International. Development of the project has been supported by Screen Scotland.
Set against the elemental landscape of the Outer Hebrides, An t-Eilean (The Island) is a compelling crime story that follows a family caught up in a murder investigation very close to home. When their mother is found murdered in the family castle, four adult children return to the Scottish island of their birth as their father is questioned over her death.
Bill Macleod, commissioning editor at BBC ALBA, commented: “An t-Eilean is a game-changer for BBC ALBA as our biggest budget and most prestigious TV drama to date.
“We’re in the process of bringing together an amazing cast and breathtaking filming locations to help bring this enthralling Gaelic story to life on a global stage.”
Filming is expected to begin on location against the stunning backdrop of the Western Isles in spring 2024, with more information on casting to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Arabella Page Croft, executive producer at Black Camel Pictures, said: “We are hugely proud to produce An t-Eilean, another ambitious TV drama series from Black Camel and the first ever high-end Gaelic-language drama made in Scotland!
“It has been such a joy and inspiration to develop this gripping thriller together with BBC ALBA and the whole team are looking forward to beginning principal photography on the spectacular Hebridean isles of Lewis and Harris next month.”
While some may be eagerly awaiting the Baftas and Oscars, Scotland’s Gaelic communities are busy preparing for Gaelic film’s biggest night of the year: the FilmG Awards.
Over 50 films have been shortlisted for the FilmG Awards, a night celebrating the best Gaelic storytellers and filmmakers in Scotland and beyond. Winners will be crowned in categories such as Best Performance, Best Production Design, Technical Excellence, and the Best Film Award.
Leading the way with four nominations in the Under-18 competition is ‘A Bheil Thu An Sin?‘, a psychological drama by the new independent filmmaking group Lost Rollerskate Pictures from Glasgow Gaelic School.
In the Over-18 competition, Inverness charity FC Sonas’s ‘Blàr nan Gàidheal’, which tells the story of the first-ever official football match in Gaelic, also has four nominations, closely followed by Isle of Lewis-based Tormod MacLeod’s funeral farce ‘An Tiodhlaiceadh’ (three nominations).
With the judges’ job now complete, the only categories still to be decided are the FilmG Choice Awards, with the public vote for these categories still open until midnight, 2nd February. Votes can be cast online by the public at www.FilmG.co.uk.
Rachel Kennedy, FilmG Judge and star of hit BBC ALBA drama series An Clò Mòr, said:
“It’s been a record-breaking year for FilmG, with over 160 entries – the highest number of submissions since the competition began. The appetite for the competition is brilliant, but it makes our job as judges incredibly difficult as there is so much talent to choose from. Our shortlist has been carefully considered and showcases the best Gaelic filmmakers based on production, technical ability, and storytelling. From highly skilled animation to tear-jerking documentaries and cutting-edge dramas, the high level of talent, creativity, and effort has been evident in every film shortlisted, and they are all deserved finalists.”
FilmG Project Manager Megan Dale said:
“The theme for this year was “Mo Shealladh’ (My Point of View), and all the entrants embraced this by showcasing different perspectives and playing with form. The shortlisted films show a deep understanding of perspective and the importance of listening to Scotland’s multitude of voices. The nominees represent different perspectives from all over Scotland, including Thurso, Portree, Glasgow, Harris, Lewis, Dunoon, and Inverness. Often, when we think of the film industry, we picture London or Glasgow, but FilmG shows that a wealth of talent can be found in all corners of Scotland (and beyond) and that it is important to encourage these voices to be heard.”
MG ALBA’s Head of Publishing Maggie Taylor said:
“Congratulations to all the nominees this year – it’s wonderful to see such a diverse selection of stories and to acknowledge the skill, talent, and enormous technical effort it takes to bring them alive. The Awards night is where this talent can be recognised, and I’m excited to see who will be crowned FilmG winners on 23rd February. For the first time, the nominees list includes Gaelic filmmakers from the Isle of Man and Canada, showing the international reach of the Gaelic film competition. We hope to continue developing FilmG’s transnational ties and supporting the talented filmmakers emerging across Scotland.”
The FilmG Awards will take place on 23rd February in the Lomond Auditorium of Glasgow’s illustrious SEC. The awards will be live-streamed to YouTube, with a highlights programme to be broadcast two days later on BBC ALBA (Sunday, 25th February.)
