BBC ALBA’s long-running Gaelic drama series Bannan has been picked up for a North American launch by streaming service MHz.
Announced by producers Young Films and the sales distributors, Videoplugger, the series will stream on MHz Choice in the USA and Canada from early March 2021.
This follows the success of the launch of Episodes 1 – 18 in France, where a further 10 episodes of the show have now also been sold.
BBC ALBA’s flagship drama Bannan has now broadcast 7 seasons in the UK and the producers hope to shoot the eagerly awaited 8th series in September this year.
Set in a Scottish island community and shot on the Isle of Skye, the character driven drama brings to life the challenges of rural life in a new and contemporary way.
The series has tackled a number of challenging and thought-provoking storylines including child grooming, terminal illness and of course BBC ALBA’s first ever murder.
Chris Young, founder of Skye-based Young Films and producer of Bannan, said: “Once again we see the power of our Gaelic drama to touch people thousands of miles away with different languages and culture from our own.
“Audiences in the USA, Canada and France can connect with characters like Màiri and Ceitidh and their emotional journeys.
“Whether subtitled in English or French or dubbed in Breton these stories resonate as strongly abroad as they do at home.
“And with a new American audience we are confident that Bannan will travel further around the world and reach an even wider viewership.”
Margaret Mary Murray, BBC ALBA’s Head of Service, said: “Bannan is a hit with viewers in Scotland and it’s exciting that we are able to share that success with international audiences and that they too can enjoy our language and rich culture of storytelling.”
Susan Strand, Digital Content Producer, MHz said:” This is a gripping, evocative drama, a door into the Scottish Gaelic culture.”
Emanuele Galloni, CEO Videoplugger said: “We are happy that Bannan has been given its North American premiere on MHz, we believe this show has a truly universal appeal.”
A new, wide-ranging, multi-faceted learning brand has been announced, offering the most comprehensive approach to learning Scottish Gaelic in a generation.
SpeakGaelic will launch from autumn 2021 with a course, a dedicated on-demand learning website and complementary programming across BBC ALBA platforms, including BBC ALBA YouTube, ensuring international availability.
This new brand will offer the most significant transformational change to learning and using Gaelic in almost thirty years and is set to be a focal point for adult learners and speakers.
Aimed at increasing the uptake and usage of Gaelic, the project will launch in four stages across 2021-2023, each directed at a different proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) scale of A1, A2, B1 and B2.
SpeakGaelic will offer users the option of face-to-face classes, self-guided online learning, and media content through a variety of platforms – or all three at the same time. It will never have been easier to learn and use Gaelic. As well as complete beginners, SpeakGaelic will be aimed at enabling lapsed or less confident speakers to use their Gaelic with confidence.
The initiative will complement and extend the range of options already available to learners through other sources, such as LearnGaelic, existing formal courses and the wonderfully successful Scottish Gaelic offering on Duolingo. Duolingo’s success, with around 600,000 registered users learning Gaelic, the doubling of LearnGaelic’s website users, and a surge in interest in Gaelic both in Scotland and internationally, will allow SpeakGaelic to offer an integrated structure at a crucial time.
SpeakGaelic will be delivered by media organisation MG ALBA, with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture in Skye as lead academic partner, and the BBC as media content provider.
SpeakGaelic is funded by the Scottish Government; the principal body for promoting Gaelic development, Bòrd na Gàidhlig; the BBC; and MG ALBA, which delivers BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC. It will be delivered over a three-year period at a cost of £2.4 million in total.
Iseabail Mactaggart, Director of Multiplatform Content at MG ALBA, said: “SpeakGaelic is an unprecedented partnership initiative to deliver a unique combination of ways for people to take up – and improve – their Gaelic. This is exciting, and important for the future of Gaelic. All of us at MG ALBA are proud to be a part of an initiative we hope will prove game-changing for the future of the language. I’m also personally really looking forward to using all the resources to improve my own Gaelic.”
Marsaili MacLeod, Vice Principal & Director of Studies at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, said: “SpeakGaelic will transform the landscape for Gaelic learning – the partnership is creating structured, accessible and media-rich learning materials. It will support our teaching community, from private tutors to Councils and community groups to Universities. It will support our community of learners and Gaelic speakers, welcoming anyone who has an interest, connection or love of the language to take part.”
Margaret Mary Murray, Head of Gaelic Services at the BBC, said: “SpeakGaelic will be a fresh and modern approach to learning on the BBC’s Gaelic services, enabling digital, audio and video content to integrate seamlessly and align with formal academic courses. SpeakGaelic will offer a fantastic new service for audiences on BBC ALBA, iPlayer, Radio nan Gàidheal, Sounds and BBC ALBA YouTube.”
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “This is an excellent project and I am pleased the Scottish Government is able to support SpeakGaelic. This comprehensive and ambitious scheme will have benefits for Gaelic speakers and learners in all parts of Scotland – and all over the world. I am also pleased to note the partnership working in place behind the project and look forward to seeing this work progress.”
Shona MacLennan, Chief Executive of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “We very much welcome this collaborative and innovative project which supports the main aim in the National Gaelic Language Plan that Gaelic is used more often, by more people and in more situations. It will enable new learners and existing users to enhance their skills and to put their Gaelic to use in a practical way. BnG’s #cleachdi (#useit) initiative ties in with SpeakGaelic and I would encourage everyone who feels that they would like to speak Gaelic more to make use of the resources available through our website.”
Staffin Primary School
FilmG, the Gaelic short film competition, received over a hundred entries in 2020, as budding young filmmakers from across the country took to their cameras to produce inspiring work.
As well as the volume of entries – 104 in total, FilmG organisers MG ALBA and Skye-based Cànan Graphics Studio (CGS) were impressed by the diversity of those entries, including the first ever entry from the Isle of Man in their native Manx Gaelic.
FilmG continues to leverage new technology and further its commitment to supporting young people with their creative endeavours to create films whilst developing practical and creative skills through the medium of Gaelic.
Filmmakers were supported with virtual workshops, online resources and Augmented Reality workbooks right up until the deadline. Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the national Gaelic development and advisory body, also gave additional support to the project so that young people across Scotland could continue to engage with the workshops and mentoring offerings, despite the Covid-19 restrictions.
Judging this year has also adapted with the times, taking place entirely over video conferencing. The judges scrutinised each of the entries for storytelling skill, creative use of language and visual impact to create a shortlist of entrants. The judges will then select the finalists and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday, March 19.
There won’t be a physical ‘live’ awards ceremony this year due to Coronavirus so the FilmG awards will be premiered on BBC ALBA for the first time ever on Friday, March 19, 2021. The ceremony will be filmed in Stornoway this year and presented by Fiona Mackenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald.
Debbie MacKay, Project Manager at CGS, said: “With the number of entries we’ve accepted this year, the FilmG judges had quite a job on their hands! The quality has been remarkable, and it was evident how much work our entrants had put into their films, and how much enjoyment they got from making them. Shortlisting and choosing winners will be no easy task.”
Project supervisor Murdo MacSween, Communications Manager at MG ALBA, said: “Like many similar events, FilmG faced it’s most uncertain year ever in 2020 and to see a record number of entries shows how much the competition is valued. The feedback we’re getting from schools and filmmakers show just how important it is that young Gaels have creative outlets like this and we’re incredibly proud of everyone involved.”
The FilmG Team would like to extend their thanks to all those who have entered the competition and are grateful for all the positive messages sent from schools before the festive season.
Voting is open across both the Youth and Open categories and can be found on the FilmG Website:
Further updates can be found on FilmG’s Social Media Channels:
www.facebook.com/filmgalba/
www.instagram.com/filmg_alba/
twitter.com/FilmGAlba
BBC ALBA will be offering a range of programmes to support learning. Titles such as Baile Mhuilinn, A’ Bhùth, Leugh le Linda, Aithne air Ainmhidhean and Saidheans Spòrsail will be screened in the daily CBeebies and CBBC ALBA schedule with all programmes being made available through iPlayer after transmission.
Additional programmes will also be made available within a learning collection on BBC ALBA’s iPlayer channel from 11th January through to 2nd April. This will include primary content with a focus on maths, numeracy, literacy and history. The collection will also include a range of Bitesize video content produced in Gaelic for primary maths, science, literacy and social studies.
Further learning resources for primary and secondary school children at National 5 and Higher is accessible through the Bitesize website, bbc.co.uk/bitesize with pre-school resources available through bbc.co.uk/cbeebiesalba, and CBeebies and CBBC ALBA content can also be found on BBC ALBA’s YouTube channel.
BBC ALBA is set to be the channel of choice this Christmas with a mix of programmes for the whole family, the centre piece of which will be the traditional ALBA Hogmanay ceilidh – socially distant but live, and simulcast on BBC Radio nan Gaidheal and worldwide via the BBC iPlayer.
Across the festive period, BBC ALBA will offer a wealth of personal stories. In NY2SY broadcaster Niall Iain MacDonald recounts his incredibly dramatic and life threatening experience as he set out to row across the Atlantic.
Two special documentaries, Dystonia: Beatha air Fhiaradh and Lipoedema – Lorna’s Story, share moving and candid testimonies from two people with life-changing illnesses. For almost 40 years, DK MacPhee has lived with dystonia, leaving him unable to straighten his head. This has impacted on many aspects of his daily life. Lorna Taggart from the Isle of Skye has spent a lifetime battling the condition lipoedema; a fat cell disorder for which there may be life-changing surgery.
At this time of year, we all look forward to watching the very best films, and courtesy of Cinema Gadelica presented by Patsi MacKenzie, we will discover some fascinating film trivia about the famous and infamous filmmakers who have been drawn to the spectacular scenery of Scotland, even when masquerading as exotic locations in films ranging from James Bond to 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Seasoned comedy writer Iain Macleod, known from the hit Canadian series Trailer Park Boys brings us two quirky Gaelic short films, both shot in Nova Scotia. The Espresso Machine and The Unhappy Pioneers deal with awkward situations and even more awkward individuals.
BBC ALBA programmes will also showcase professions, passions, traditions and phenomena rooted in and linked to the Highlands and Islands with fisherfolk, blacksmiths, poachers and amateur rally drivers as well as the elusive Aurora Borealis all under the spotlight.
And there is plenty programming to keep youngsters entertained during the holidays. Starting with a powerful and touching animation, Sol. On Christmas Day, treats include the much-anticipated new Julia Donaldson animation, Zog, and the real-life adventures of Lena, a young crofter in the Isle of Harris, who is on a special mission!
To finish the year, catch the gorgeous animated film from Studio Ghibli on its UK premiere, Ronja, the Robbers Daughter, written by the creator of Pippi Longstocking, on New Year’s Eve from 6pm.
Later that evening we will take a wry look back at the year that was in Siud Agad E 2020 (There goes 2020) followed by Cèilidh na Bliadhn’ Ùire hosted by Cathy MacDonald in Glasgow and Niall Iain MacDonald in Stornoway. They will be joined by some special international guests alongside Trail West, Sian, the Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band and Peat & Diesel who usher out the old and welcome the new in style.
BBC ALBA’s Head of Service, Margaret Mary Murray, said: “We are sure our special selection of programmes will offer the best company over the coming weeks with stories of interest, intrigue and inspiration. There will be time for reflection, reminiscing and joyous celebration as we invite you to join us each day this Christmas on BBC ALBA”
Find more information about the festive schedule here
Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr bho BBC ALBA! / Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from BBC ALBA!
Sol – an inspiring film about a little boy’s journey through grief – premieres in the UK and Republic of Ireland on the darkest night of the year, the Winter Solstice – Monday 21 December.
The animated, 28-minute film, which will be shown on BBC ALBA in Scotland, aims to bring light and comfort to families with young children as the darkest year in modern times draws to a close.
Featuring a boy called Sol whose world is plunged into darkness when his beloved grandmother dies, the film explores the different aspects of grief (shock, yearning, disorientation and resolution) through the eyes of a child.
The film has been created as a vital and relevant resource to help children and families cope with grief and is especially poignant after such a difficult year nationwide.
It is hoped the storyline and characters will help spark conversations amongst teachers, parents and young children about how to manage your feelings after the death of a loved one.
Recognising the need nationwide for such a topical film, multiple TV broadcasters have come together to premiere Sol across seven platforms on the same day.
Originally commissioned by regional broadcasters as a Celtic-language film in Welsh, Irish and Scottish Gaelic, Sol will also be broadcast with English subtitles to a national audience.
Gaelic singer and actress Anna Murray voices Sol’s grandmother (while Emmy award-winning Irish actor, Fionnula Flanagan voices the English language version) and Gaelic singer Ellen MacDonald voices Sol’s mother.
Sol was created and produced by Belfast-based children’s TV production company Paper Owl Films, with the Gaelic version for BBC ALBA created by Obh! Obh! Studios in Stornoway.
Bill MacLeod, Commissioning Editor at MG ALBA, which operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC, said: “Sol is very much a film for our times – but it also taps into an older strand in Celtic tradition in which the changes in the seasons and the turning of the year have a deep significance. I’m sure that this beautiful and wise programme will bring a little light into all our lives.”
Paper Owl Creative Director, Grainne McGuinness said: “Now, more than ever, children need strong visual stories to help them deal with unfamiliar emotions and to inspire a way forward full of optimism.”
Sol was commissioned by Celtic broadcasters TG4, S4C and BBC ALBA and distributed by Aardman. It received funding from the British Film Institute’s Young Audiences Content Fund, and from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund and Screen Fund. The Albert calculator and sustainable production certification was used to measure and reduce the production’s carbon footprint.
The BFI’s Head of Young Audiences Fund, Jackie Edwards said: “Sol’ is about remembering, with love, those we’ve lost, knowing we’re not alone and encouraging families to talk about their loss. Far too many children and young people are experiencing grief this year, and so we wanted to create a moment to pause and reflect, and for public service broadcasters to come together and co-transmit this special film to as many of this country’s young people as possible to support them to find light in the darkness.”
Film Synopsis:
Sol is a young boy plunged into darkness after the loss of his grandmother whom he adored. He is the reluctant hero of his own story – sent on a quest to bring back the light to a darkening world.
His quest takes him through a vast landscape made from Nonee’s memories – the collected photos and scraps of her photo albums. He has help in this world, guided as he is by Nonee as a little girl in the beginning and finding her at different stages of her life along the way.
At the end of their journey, Sol reaches the Ancient Temple of Light in the East, where his grandmother is waiting for him…he realises he can accept his feelings of grief as his love for her is far greater than the pain from his loss. He accepts that the world was a better place because his grandmother was part of it and that her memory will always be a part of him. Love never goes away.
Monday 21 December – Sol’s broadcast schedule:
18:30 LIVE: S4C (in Welsh), TG4 (in Irish), BBC ALBA (in Scottish Gaelic)
19:30 LIVE: CiTV (with English subtitles)
19:30 On DEMAND: iTV Hub, All 4, My5 (with English subtitles)
The usually live annual event was this year broadcast in a vibrant programme put together and aired exclusively on BBC ALBA. Hosted by Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, award winners were announced along with specially-recorded music performances from some of traditional music’s top luminaries, including The Iona Fyfe Trio, Project Smok, Deirdre Graham, Jarlath Henderson and Karen Matheson as well as Phil Cunningham and many more.
This year’s event had been set to take place in Dundee’s Caird Hall but with live music and event restrictions in place for the foreseeable future, Hands Up for Trad worked to support artists and provide an alternative platform, culminating in two special programmes of Na Trads on BBC ALBA.
Joy Dunlop presented the inductees to the Hall of Fame on Friday evening, followed by the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards themselves on Saturday. The awards will be shown again on BBC ALBA at 9pm on Saturday 18th December 2020 and will be available on the BBC iPlayer for 30 days.
Ealasaid MacDonald, Director of Strategy & External Affairs at title sponsors MG ALBA, which operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC, said: “Once again, the Trads has showcased the best of creativity and talent across Scotland. MG ALBA would like to congratulate all those who have taken part, those nominated and the winners, as they have been part of a very different year where music has been an essential part of all our lives. We are delighted that Hands Up for Trad has brought us all together for this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the best of traditional music.”
Hands Up for Trad’s founder and Creative Director Simon Thoumire thanked all involved:
“The arrival of Covid-19 has required a massive change for us all, impacted in so many different ways, and I want to thank MG ALBA and our sponsors, the artists and musicians and crew and everyone who voted.
“Everyone has worked together tirelessly to maintain, pivot and bring our music programme online right through this year, culminating in last night’s fantastic BBC ALBA broadcast of the Na Trads 2020 programme of our annual MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, the pinnacle of our year.”
Within the awards programme, three pillars of the Scots Trad Music community were recognised through special awards; the Janet Paisley Services to Scots Language Award sponsored by Creative Scotland awarded to James Robertson, the Services to Gaelic Award sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig awarded to John Smith, and the 2020 Hamish Henderson Award for Services to Traditional Music went to Lisa Whytock.
Tweaked for 2020 to reflect everything the entire industry has created due to Covid-19, MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Award winners are:
1. Album of The Year, sponsored by Birnam CD
The Woods by Hamish Napier
2. Original Work of the Year, sponsored by PRS for Music
Everyday Heroes by Skerryvore
3. Community Music Project of the Year, sponsored by Greentrax Recordings
Tunes in the Hoose
4. Event of the Year Award sponsored by VisitScotland
BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 20th Anniversary Concert (Celtic Connections)
5. Gaelic Singer of the Year, sponsored by The Highland Society of London
Fionnag NicChoinnich (Fiona MacKenzie)
6. Musician of the Year, sponsored by the University of the Highlands and Islands
Tim Edey
7. Online Performance of 2020, sponsored by Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust
Duncan Chisholm’s Covid Ceilidh
8. Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year, sponsored by Traditional Music and Song Association (TMSA), for artists singing in Scots language
Siobhan Miller
9. Trad Video of the Year, sponsored by Threads of Sound
Calum Dan’s Transit Van by Peat & Diesel
10. Trad Music in the Media, sponsored by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Anna Massie – Black Isle Correspondent
11. Up & Coming artist of the Year, sponsored by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Rebecca Hill
12. Music Tutor of the Year, sponsored by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative
Josie Duncan
To celebrate the best of Scottish traditional music, BBC ALBA will broadcast the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards across Friday and Saturday evening.
Na Trads 2020 will feature phenomenal performances from leading trad musicians and the highly regarded annual awards give recognition to excellence; encompassing all aspects of the trad scene including Gaelic & Scots singing, instrumentation and a host of others in between.
This year the event was set to take place in Dundee’s Caird Hall, but the vibrant celebration continues on BBC ALBA with specially recorded music performances from some of traditional music’s top luminaries, including, The Iona Fyfe Trio, Project Smok, Deirdre Graham, Jarlath Henderson, Phil Cunningham, Karen Matheson and many more.
Presented by Mary Ann Kennedy and Alistair Heather, the awards on the evening of Saturday 12th December will be presented in a new tri-lingual format in Gaelic, Scots and English to celebrate the wealth of trad culture in Scotland.
Acclaimed Gaelic singer Mary Ann Kennedy, who herself won the Gaelic Singer of the Year award in 2019, is a stalwart of Na Trads having presented the show since the first broadcast on BBC ALBA in 2008.
New co-presenter, writer and broadcaster Alistair Heather, is a strong advocate for the Scots language and also hosts the annual Scots Language Awards.
On Friday night, a special new programme for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards Hall of Fame will be broadcast on BBC ALBA, hosted by Gaelic singer and broadcaster Joy Dunlop.
Featuring performances from Old Blind Dogs and acclaimed Gaelic singer Margaret Stewart, Joy will introduce the inductees to the 2020 Hall of Fame.
Margaret Cameron, Commissioning Editor and Head of Creative Collaborations for BBC ALBA said, “Na Trads is must-watch viewing for anyone with an interest in Scottish traditional culture and we’re delighted to be bringing this to our viewers yet again. There’s a real buzz around the awards which will be exclusively announced on the show.”
Ealasaid MacDonald, Director of Strategy & External Affairs at MG ALBA, said: “MG ALBA are extremely proud to sponsor these awards, and we can’t wait to watch the programmes on BBC ALBA. It’s been a very difficult year for the music industry in Scotland and that’s what makes this recognition for all the impressive innovation and collaboration all the more important.”
Watch Na Trads 2020 on BBC ALBA or on the BBC iPlayer:
9pm Friday 11 December Na Trads 2020: MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Hall of Fame
9pm Saturday 12 December Na Trads 2020: MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards
Music Tutor of the Year, sponsored by Creative Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative
• Rua MacMillan
• Rachel Hair
• Josie Duncan
• Lauren MacColl
• Corrina Hewat
• Laura-Beth Salter
• Louise (Mackenzie) Douglas
Gaelic Singer of the Year, sponsored by The Highland Society of London
• Fionnag NicChoinnich (Fiona MacKenzie)
• Joy Dunlop
• Rachel Walker
• Raymond Bremner
Album of The Year, sponsored by Birnam CD
• All Is Not Forgotten by Siobhan Miller
• Banjaxed by Ciaran Ryan
• Bayview by Project Smok
• Eye of the Storm by Tide Lines
• Light My Byre by Peat & Diesel
• Shhh I’m on the phone by Innes Watson
• Steall by Ewen Henderson
• The Ledger by Gillian Frame, Findlay Napier and Mike Vass
• The Roke by Ross Miller
• The Woods by Hamish Napier
Up & Coming artist of the Year, sponsored by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
• Benedict Morris
• Rebecca Hill
• Malin Makes Music
• Avocet
Community Music Project of the Year, sponsored by Greentrax Recordings
• Campbell’s Ceilidh
• Tunes in the Hoose
• MacGregor’s Live at Five
• Hands Up for Trad Strathspey and Reel Society
• Covid Choir Workshops
• Carry On Streamin
• Comhairle Cèilidhs (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar)
Event of the Year Award sponsored by VisitScotland
• 365 stories + Music (Aidan O’Rourke and James Robertson)
• Virtual Edinburgh International Harp Festival
• Fèis Rois Adult Feis Weekend Online
• Tional Gaelic Online Music Festival
• BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 20th Anniversary Concert (Celtic Connections)
• Coastal Connections (Celtic Connections)
Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year, sponsored by Traditional Music and Song Association (TMSA)
• Siobhan Miller
• Claire Hastings
• Adam Holmes
• Allan & Rosemary McMillan
Trad Video of the Year, sponsored by Threads of Sound
• Erica’s by Balter
• Calum Dan’s Transit Van by Peat & Diesel
• Deep Dark Beast by Twelfth Day
• Moorlough Shore by ELIR
• Ceòl Mòr Style by Calum MacCrimmon
• Taste the Rain by Tide Lines Choir
Online Performance of 2020, sponsored by Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust
• Sandy on Sunday Show (Sandy Brechin)
• Live from The Lounge with Paul Anderson and Shona Donaldson
• Pete Clark From The Shed
• Tide Lines Virtual World Tour
• Skerryvore Live Across The World
• Duncan Chisholm’s #CovidCeilidh
• Lomond Ceilidh Band’s The Daily Ceilidh
Original Work of the Year, sponsored by PRS for Music
• The Woods by Hamish Napier
• Everyday Heroes by Skerryvore
• Graham Rorie – The Orcadians of Hudson Bay
• Rachel Newton – To the Awe
• Camhanaich (Dawn) by Mhairi Hall
Trad Music in the Media, sponsored by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
• Marie Martin – Box and Fiddle Magazine
• Ewan Galloway and Derek Hamilton – RadioGH
• Fiona McNeill – Celtic & Folk Fusions Radio Show
• Sruth na Maoile (BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta)
• Anna Massie – Black Isle Correspondent
Musician of the Year, sponsored by the University of the Highlands and Islands
• Tim Edey
• Peter Wood
• Anna Massie
• Jenn Butterworth
• Ailie Robertson
• John Carmichael
Gaelic short film competition FilmG, has launched this year’s competition with the help of a well-known face from Gaelic broadcasting sharing tips, tricks and all the crucial entry information in a special online show.
Shona Masson, presenter of BBC ALBA’s upcycling series Dreach Ùr, hosted the YouTube event, which included a Q&A from pupils hoping to take part in the competition, a look back at the best from previous years of the competition, and the unveiling of this year’s stunning competition theme images.
2020 has been a year like no other, and FilmG’s yearly theme had to reflect this – Èirich (Gaelic for rise) aims to inspire this year’s filmmakers to rise above the challenges that the previous few months have thrown at them.
Alongside the competition launch, the FilmG team also announced the new series FoghlamG, an online masterclass in filmmaking from industry professionals, which provides those taking part with the knowledge to create stunning films on their own, without even the need for professional equipment. FoghlamG is available on FilmG’s YouTube channel.
As well as packing all of this into the livestream launch, the FilmG team gave pupils from across Scotland the opportunity to ask Shona, who also directs programmes for BBC ALBA, questions they might have about Gaelic, filmmaking, and media in general.
Shona Masson, who has been involved in many FilmG entries over the years, as both a youngster and industry professional said: “It’s clear that creating and trying new things is good for everyone, and FilmG provides a platform for anyone to take part in a creative competition by making a short film. Everyone has a story to tell, so if you’re interested, hopefully you’ll make an entry for FilmG this year!”
FilmG is run by MG ALBA and Skye-based media company CGS, to encourage the growth of Gaelic media talent. This is the competition’s thirteenth year, and has been the platform for many people now working within the Gaelic TV and film industry.
FilmG’s project manager, Ewan MacLean said: “FilmG is a huge part of the Gaelic social calendar, and in particular for the schools that we are involved with, so it’s such a pleasure that we’ve been able to keep that up in 2020.It’s so important for creative young filmmakers to see how professionals work, and be able to ask them about the industry.”
Murdo MacSween, Communications Manager for MG ALBA, said: “We’re very proud of the continued impact of FilmG in inspiring and developing young filmmakers to make Gaelic content. FilmG is very important to us and we can’t wait to see this year’s crop of films, they keep getting better and better.”
FilmG will remain open to entries until the 11th of December. Find out more at www.filmg.co.uk, or on the FilmG social media pages.
Peat & Diesel: That’s The Way We Do It! received the prize for International Documentary Feature at the long-running Williamsburg International Film & Music Festival in Brooklyn, New York.
Produced by MacTV, the programme follows the Stornoway band as they gain momentum and fame ahead of the launch of their second album and a landmark gig at the legendary Glasgow venue, the Barrowland Ballroom.
Peat & Diesel, comprising of fisherman Calum ‘Boydie’ Macleod, electrician Innes Scott and delivery van driver Uilleam ‘Uilly’ Macleod, have taken the Scottish music scene by storm, capturing the country’s imagination through their infectious music and unique tales of island life.
The documentary was a huge success on BBC ALBA when it aired in early April, as part of an evening of Peat & Diesel music and antics which drew one of the biggest audiences of the year.
BBC ALBA Head of Service Margaret Mary Murray, who was also Executive Producer of the programme, said: “We had a feeling that this programme would be a hit with audiences and it certainly was. We received a huge amount of appreciative feedback from the audience when we screened the double bill of this fabulously entertaining roller coaster road movie charting the rise of Peat & Diesel plus coverage of their sell-out gig in Glasgow. It was a memorable night on BBC ALBA!
“We are delighted that the talent of the island-based musicians and filmmakers has been recognised on the international stage demonstrating that the local does have global appeal!”
The programme’s Producer/Director, the RTS Scotland award-winner Daibhidh Martin, said:
“Peat & Diesel are totally unique and it was great craic being on the road with them. They are captivating and it’s been brilliant to be there with them as they become more and more successful, watching the audiences react so positively to them.
“They celebrate Gaelic and island culture, mixing sincere and relatable subjects with comedic imagery and stylings. It was never difficult to film the band and capture something that audiences would respond to.”
BBC ALBA has seen significant international success in recent years, with both international co-productions and awards frequent fixtures, a testament to the quality and ingenuity of the BBC ALBA production sector.
