INNOVATIVE GAELIC THEATRE AND FILM PROJECT DEBUTS AT GLASGOW SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
The première of a new Gaelic short film, Briseadh na Cloiche (The Breaking of the Stone), will take place at this month’s Glasgow Short Film Festival.
Filmed at Webster’s Theatre in Glasgow, where the play was performed as part of last year’s West End Festival, the production features Iain Macrae and Mairi Morrison, with music by Alex Neilson. It will be shown, with English subtitles, at the CCA Cinema in Glasgow on 17 March.
The Breaking of the Stone (Briseadh na Cloiche) is widely regarded as one of writer John Murray’s finest short stories and holds a central position in contemporary Gaelic literature. Adapted for stage and screen by actor Iain Macrae and directed and filmed by Duncan MacDonald, the production follows the progression of a post-war romance to its harrowing conclusion.
The dynamic blend of drama, dance and mime is heightened by a thrilling interactive percussion performance by Neilson.
The theatre and film project was commissioned by Gaelic arts organisation Ceòl’s Craic and funded by MG ALBA and Creative Scotland.
Project director Ishbel Murray said: “John Murray’s story is widely recognized as a seminal piece of contemporary Gaelic literature and we knew we could present the stage play successfully, but we also felt it had tremendous potential as a piece of filmed theatre.
“So, our aim here was to produce an original Gaelic film for a dedicated arts audience and to begin to address the absence of art house films featuring Gaelic language. The support of MG ALBA and Creative Scotland made this possible.”
Drama is viewed as a key element in the resurgence of Gaelic and is strongly supported by those who see it as an art form that puts the language at its forefront. Briseadh na Cloiche brings the best of Gaelic literature, drama and cinema together in one small but effective package.
Creative Scotland & Bòrd na Gàidhlig Gaelic Arts & Culture Officer, Brian Ó hEadhra added: “It is excellent to see this contemporary Gaelic work progress from the West End Festival to this year’s Glasgow Short Film Festival and ultimately to BBC ALBA in the future. This powerful work demonstrates that Gaelic drama is growing and reaching out to audiences via stage and screen. This is one of a number of Gaelic drama initiatives currently coming through and we look forward to seeing more quality productions over the coming years.”
BBC ALBA Channel Editor Margaret Cameron said: “Briseadh na Cloiche adds to the diversity of Gaelic drama available and I’m delighted it will have a small screen life on BBC ALBA in the future. I wish the film every success at the Glasgow Short Film Festival and welcome its inclusion in the GSFF programme.”
Briseadh na Cloiche (20 mins) will be screened, with English subtitles, on 17 March at 9pm in the CCA Cinema, Glasgow. It will be preceded by Away with the Land (13 mins), a lyrical documentary by Joya Berrow on the life of Harris crofter Donald John Macinnes, and followed by a Q&A session with Iain Macrae, Mairi Morrison and Duncan MacDonald, hosted by Gaelic broadcaster Derek MacKay. Guests are invited for a complementary drink at 8pm.
Briseadh na Cloiche will be broadcast on BBC ALBA later in the year.
MG ALBA LAUNCHES ITS COVETED CELTIC MEDIA FESTIVAL BURSARY SCHEME
Current and aspiring Gaelic media industry professionals are being offered the chance to apply for MG ALBA’s coveted bursary scheme, as it launches its Celtic Media Festival scholarship for 2017.
A total of five places at this year Celtic Media Festival are up for grabs for candidates demonstrating a keen interest in pursuing a career in Gaelic screen media, or for individuals who are at the beginning of their career either as a freelancer or with an independent production company producing Gaelic programmes for BBC ALBA.
This year, the Celtic Media Festival is taking place in Douglas on the Isle of Man from 3rd – 5th May. It is an annual three-day celebration acknowledging excellence in broadcasting and film talent throughout the Celtic countries of Scotland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany.
Iseabail Mactaggart, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at MG ALBA, said: “The Celtic Media Festival is a key event, both for networking and for understanding the trends that affect how viewers are watching and using media content. Our bursary scheme has been extremely popular and is testament to the level of enthusiasm from young talented individuals seeking a career in Gaelic media to grasp every opportunity available.
“Our aim is to support and encourage the next generation of Gaelic media professionals, and to have the opportunity to learn from events such as this one will help in providing insight into the industry as well as offering an understanding of the importance of an international outlook for indigenous productions and channel content.”
Among the successful applicants last year were writer and script editor, Laura MacLennan and PhD ‘Television and Language Policy in Families’ student, Carrie MacNeil.
Reflecting on her attendance at the Celtic Media Festival last year, Laura said: “The bursary from MG ALBA was really helpful for my own professional development as I met many people who all work in different areas within the media, in all the Celtic corners. This was especially helpful when it came to attending drama sessions, hearing first-hand from experts who have been creating continuous drama in other Celtic areas and how they have not only established a voice on their own channels but internationally as well.
“The festival gave me a lot of encouragement in my own line of work and renewed vigour in creating more interesting and appealing content using our Gaelic identity. I now firmly believe there is a platform for our own stories to be told and that we should be rightly proud of them.”
Carrie, whose PhD research examines the role that children’s television has in the use of Gaelic in the home, said: “It’s a great scheme, which gives people the opportunity to network with those in the media sector, from Ireland and even to Norway! It’s important that those from the academic world see how the industry works from a practical stance, and that we observe and think about it from a wider perspective.
“At the festival, there were opportunities to ask experts questions and gain information regarding the context of other minority languages. It also gave me opportunities to speak with those who work at MG ALBA, which was very useful for my own research studies.”
MG ALBA is requesting a short two to four minute video in Gaelic to accompany all online applications, providing the opportunity for each applicant to showcase their skills, talent and creativity as well as outlining their desire to attend the festival.
MG ALBA are offering a full support package covering the entry fee, travel and accommodation. For more information and to apply, follow this link or contact kerryanne.macleod@mgalba.com. Deadline for applications is 10pm on Sunday 9th April. More information on the festival is available at www.celticmediafestival.co.uk.
TWELVE GAELIC NOMINATIONS AS CELTIC MEDIA FESTIVAL SHORTLIST PUBLISHED
A total of 12 Gaelic award nominations for BBC ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gaidheal have been received in the 2017 Celtic Media Festival awards.
Among the BBC ALBA nominations were Hamish, a documentary film about the renowned Scottish cultural icon, Hamish Henderson, and Jimmy Johnstone, a film telling the life of the Celtic and Scotland footballing great a decade on from his death.
BBC Radio nan Gàidheal has been nominated for station of the year, whilst programmes including Mac ‘Ille Mhicheil and Spòrs na Seachdain are shortlisted for awards.
The Celtic Media Festival takes place from May 3 to May 5 this year and will be hosted by Douglas on the Isle on Man.
Donald Campbell, MG ALBA Chief Executive said: “Pitched against some fantastic productions from across the Celtic regions and nations, it is pleasing to once again see Gaelic media recognised at the forefront of the creative sector.
“The nominations for BBC ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gaidheal programmes are just reward for both the imagination and effort that our sector professionals demonstrate on a consistent basis, and we look forward to the awards ceremony on the Isle of Man when we will hopefully see some of our programmes featured on the shortlists then going onto pick up awards.”
The BBC ALBA programmes which have been shortlisted in 2017 are:
Current Affairs
Eorpa Irish Babies (Produced by BBC Scotland Gaelic)
On 19th February 2015, the Irish Minister for Children announced the establishment of an independent enquiry into Mother and Baby Homes throughout Ireland in the 20th Century, with a three-year deadline and which would cost €21 million. Eòrpa reported on the alleged misconduct at 3 Mother and Baby Homes. The report focussed more on Tuam which spurred the Murphy Commission, after revelations of an alleged mass grave where supposedly 796 infants were buried between 1925 and 1961. Claims made that the homes had been at the centre of clinical drug trails, an illegal adoption ring and controversial disposal of infant’s bodies.
Factual Entertainment
Port (Produced by Bees Nees Media)
This landmark music series – part documentary; part travelogue; part spellbinding music performance – returns for a second series and continues to chart the musical landscapes of Ireland and Scotland. With two bona-fide tradition bearers leading the way, TG4 and BBC ALBA audiences accompany Julie Fowlis and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh to bustling urban centres and sleepy townships to record a cast of musicians, raconteurs and characters. The musicians respond with an explosion of music; ancient folk songs re-ignited; polkas married to jigs; ballads floated on snaking musical arrangements and all built on the adrenaline rush of improvisation.
Factual Series
An Lot (Produced by MACTV)
In this six part series a Lewis crofter tries to make a go of crofting full-time. The first lambs appear, and Donald MacSween or ‘Sweeny’ sells his first eggs. But there are some unwanted visitors in the hen house.
Single Documentary
Hamish (Produced by Bees Nees Media)
Documentary film about Hamish Henderson, a colossal figure in Scottish culture and a man of endless passion and curiosity, whose poems continue to elevate and inspire a nation. This documentary pays tribute to the many contrary forces and diverse facets of Henderson’s life as a poet, soldier, intellectual, activist, songwriter and leading force in the revival of Scottish folk music. From an English orphanage and the draughty corridors of Cambridge to overseeing the capitulation of the Italian army in WWII and penning the most celebrated Scottish ballad in contemporary folk music, Freedom Come Aa’ Ye, this is Henderson’s life as told by those who knew him best and loved him most.
Sports Documentary
Jimmy Johnstone (Produced by purpleTV)
A decade on from his death, Jimmy Johnstone examines the life of a phenomenal Scottish sporting talent, telling the story of the highs and the lows of an unforgettable working class footballer, Celtic legend, husband and father who lost his life to motor neurone disease age 61.
In addition to its nomination in the Radio Station of the Year category BBC Radio nan Gaidheal also has a number of programmes shortlisted across the 23 categories:
MG ALBA STATEMENT ON BBC COMMITMENT TO GAELIC BROADCASTING
Maggie Cunningham, chair of MG ALBA – which operates BBC ALBA in partnership with the BBC – issued the following statement in response to the BBC’s announcement regarding support for Gaelic broadcasting.
She said: “Lord Hall’s declaration of support for Gaelic broadcasting recognises the integrity of BBC ALBA and reflects the views of both the UK and Scottish Governments which have stated unequivocally that our channel should have sustained support given the success it has enjoyed.
“We welcome the commitment to providing a weekend news service on BBC ALBA, something which viewers have sought. We also welcome the stated aim for the new BBC Scotland channel to ‘support the delivery of extra programmes for BBC ALBA’.
“What we need to do now is work constructively and collaboratively with the BBC to clarify how this extra programming will materialise. We consistently asked the BBC for a contribution of ten hours per week of programming as part of the Charter Review so further discussions with the BBC will be necessary to ascertain what exactly is being proposed and how it will be funded.
“The channel needs new original programming and a significant reduction in repeats in order to thrive. BBC ALBA has proved to be a Scottish broadcasting success story over the last eight years and we are committed to building on that success.”
STAR-STUDDED NATIONAL GAELIC FILM AWARDS INCLUDING KEVIN GUTHRIE, LEWIS MACDOUGALL AND OUTLANDER’S GARY LEWIS
Scottish stars turned out in Glasgow this weekend to present awards at the ninth annual National Gaelic Film ceremony.
FilmG is MG ALBA’s (the Gaelic Media Service) prestigious Gaelic screen talent awards, which this year attracted a record number of entries and was streamed live to audiences around the world.
The ceremony was held at The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow and hosted by Fiona MacKenzie, face of BBC ALBA, and Niall Iain Macdonald, TV & radio presenter. Live entertainment on the night was courtesy of four-piece band, INYAL, fresh from performances at Celtic Connections and The Highland Annual.
Guest presenters at the event included renowned Scottish actor Gary Lewis who is currently gracing television screens in crime drama, The Level and has featured in Gangs of New York, Billy Elliot and Outlander. Joining Gary on stage was Lewis MacDougall, the 14yr old Edinburgh schoolboy and star of the new movie A Monster Calls.
Actor Kevin Guthrie, best known for his roles in Sunshine on Leith, Sunset Song and The Legend of Barney Thomson was also in attendance, with BBC weather presenter, Kirsteen Macdonald also presenting a number of awards.
John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, with ministerial responsibility for Gaelic, was in attendance and presented the Best Film in the youth category.
Isle of Lewis born actress, Dolina MacLennan known for her role in The Queen, Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle and Barney Thomson was also on hand to present some FilmG awards, as well as Mairi MacLennan who stars in BBC ALBA’s drama Bannan.
Gary Lewis, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to return to the prestigious FilmG awards and an honour to be in a room full of such talented youngsters. It’s imperative to encourage as many young and aspiring filmmakers as possible, and initiatives such as FilmG offer a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to be creative both in front of and behind camera and gain the confidence required to pursue a career in the Scottish creative sector.”
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.
The quality of film entries this year has been exceptional making it a very tough decision for judges to choose a winner in each category.
The stand out film in the youth category was Faigh WiFi produced by a group of children from the Gaelic Drama Summer School (An Sgoil Shamhraidh Dràma) which won Best Film. The film follows students at the summer camp on a mission to find WiFi.
Also scooping a top award was Kate Bradley of Ardnamuchan High School, whose commentary on the women’s shinty Valerie Fraser Cup Final won her the new youth Sports Commentary award title. Kate received her award from Gemma Fay, Scottish international footballer and actress who made her TV acting debut in the Sky Living drama Rubenesque.
Uilleam MacDhùghaill from Barra received the Best Performance award from young actor Lewis MacDougall for his role in Eilean an Dòchais, a drama set in Mingulay in 1907 dealing with the struggle for land.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney said: “It is clear that after nine extremely successful years that FilmG has a winning formula. FilmG not only attracts Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers alike from across Scotland, it also provides opportunities for our young people to develop skills and develop their talents. I am delighted for all the award winners and nominees and I am proud that the Scottish Government continues to work with MG ALBA as a sponsor of these awards.”
Kirsty Scott and Class7 of Inverness Gaelic School took home the Best Drama and Best Community awards for their film Latha Spòrs which covers the most competitive day of the year – P7 Sports Day.
The competition allows entries to be made on mobile phones, highlighting the importance and quality of digital content that can be produced without the need for full production kit, particularly aimed at material for online platforms. Eòghan Stiùbhart from Inverness won this year’s Best Mobile Short for his entry FilmG no Die Trying, which sees one man’s struggle to find his muse.
The award for Best Comedy went to Alannah Pheutan from the Isle of Skye for her entry Gaidheal Gu Luath which sets out to create a treatment to generate the perfect Gael. And the much-anticipated People’s Choice award also went to Alannah.
Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, said: “This year’s FilmG has been bigger and better than any year yet and we have been truly impressed with the level of entries across every category. We’d like to extend our congratulations, not only to this year’s winners but to all who dedicated a lot of time and effort in creating a short film entry.
“The competition has evolved greatly since the inaugural award ceremony nine years ago, and we are delighted to see the level of engagement in digital media, in Gaelic. The new sports commentary category was also a welcome addition this year, allowing those behind camera with a passion for sport to get involved.
“The competition continues to attract new and aspiring Gaelic filmmakers, actors and scriptwriters to participate, and we are delighted that more and more young people are using Gaelic to tell their own stories using digital media. This is an exciting time and it is right that we are hearing and seeing more Gaelic voices and it’s important we build on this momentum.”
All 2017 winners are listed below, with every film entered in this year’s FilmG competition available to view online at www.filmg.co.uk.
MG ALBA has appointed Bill Macleod, the highly respected and multi award winning television professional, as Commissioning Editor, a move which marks significant investment in the creative team behind BBC ALBA.
Bill Macleod has had a long and successful track record in delivering bold, original and high-quality programming for BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four, BBC Scotland and CBBC. He began his television career in Gaelic programming, where he directed some of the BBC’s most popular and critically acclaimed Gaelic titles including Na h-Eilthirich, Ran Dan and the multiple award-winning Gruth is Uachdar. More recently he has worked on a wide range of programming including landmark series such as A History of Scotland.
Iseabail Mactaggart, MG ALBA’s Director of Strategy and Partnership said: “Bill is rightly highly regarded and recognised as a hugely creative individual with an outstanding track record. To date, BBC ALBA has been incredibly successful. Maintaining that success will require increased levels of innovation and creativity from the team that deliver the channel’s content. The creation of this position, and the addition of someone of Bill’s calibre to that team, will help in ensuring the future success of BBC ALBA.”
Bill Macleod said: “I’m very excited about taking up this new role with MG ALBA. I began my career in Gaelic TV and it’s wonderful to be able to return to an area that’s bursting with so much talent and creativity. This is a true privilege and I look forward to helping bring fresh, bold content to television screens up and down the country.”
ONLINE LIVE STREAM ENSURES FILMG AWARDS 2017 ARE NOT TO BE MISSED WITH DANNY MACASKILL EXCLUSIVE
The highly anticipated awards ceremony for Scotland’s national Gaelic film competition, FilmG, takes place at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow on Friday 17 February. Following on from the success of last year, which saw the awards streamed online for the very first time, FilmG fans and followers will once again be able to watch the prize-giving event live online.
This year, FilmG will also have the welcome addition of backstage videos where winners share their thoughts and excitement with FilmG fans online. Among those chatting with our team backstage will be long time FilmG supporter Danny MacAskill, who’s recent ‘Wee Day Out’ video became an internet sensation.
The ninth year of these awards also sees the return of FilmG’s popular Gaelic Instagram competition with the live stream ensuring that attendees and viewers watching at home, will be able to enter on the night.
The live stream adds a fantastic interactive element to the event, as FilmG presenters Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald invite those present, as well as live stream viewers, to post the most fun, entertaining and/or creative Gaelic photo to the popular social media site Instagram, under the hashtag #FilmG. Judges will review the entries and choose a winner – which will be announced at the end of the night – and the lucky winner will receive a Bebop Parrot Drone camera.
Moira Pugh, Project Manager of FilmG, said: “With just days to go until the awards, there is a great buzz building, particularly on social media. Last year’s first live stream opened up the already popular awards to a much wider audience, ensuring that FilmG fans worldwide were able to feel part of the night and FilmG is thrilled to be able to share the event again this year.
“The live stream is also a fantastic addition for those who have been involved with the competition and are unable to attend the event – as well as those who have given their support to the competition throughout the last year.
“We are delighted to welcome back our Instagram photo competition. It proved incredibly popular last year and in conjunction with our signature hashtags, it’s a great, fun way of getting more people to post to social media in Gaelic. Once again, we look to replicate this creative and light-hearted use of social media to promote the Gaelic language and the competition.”
Amongst the live entertainment on the evening will be a set from brilliant young four-piece band, INYAL, fresh from performances at Celtic Connections and The Highland Annual. FilmG is also excited by the news that the boys will be joined on stage by the wonderful Gaelic singer, Josie Duncan.
Moira added: “FilmG looks to nurture creative talent through filmmaking and it’s extremely exciting that at this year’s awards there is a crossover, with 2016 Best Documentary winner, Hamish MacLeod and his eclectic young trad band, INYAL rounding off the night’s entertainment, making it an extra special performance for FilmG.”
MÒD VLOG CHAMPIONS ARE CROWNED
The winners of MG ALBA’s Mòd vlogging competition have been announced.
Thirty nine entries – 17 from young people and 22 from adults – were submitted to the Vlog a’ Mhòid/Mod Vlog competition, which asked for short video blogs about the Mòd from anyone participating in any way whether it be as a performer, TV viewer, radio listener, competition adjudicator or Mòd supporter. Each category winner receives the prize of a GoPro camera.
Winner in the young person’s single vlog category was Beth, 11, from Kilmaluag on the Isle of Skye with her vlog entitled Clann Thròndairnis aig Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2016. Beth was part of a group called Clann Thròndairnis, who competed in several competitions at the Mòd, and her vlog tells the story of their journey to Stornoway, the group competing and the prizes they won. The judges particularly praised her ability to communicate her story in such a fun and vibrant way, using video effects and pictures to enhance her vlog.
In second place was Matthew age nine from Edinburgh, whilst brothers Ewan and Andrew 13 and 10 respectively, from Laide couldn’t be separated and scooped joint third place.
In the young person’s vlog series category, friends Katie and Breagha, both 10 years old, from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, were crowned winners with an impressive series that told their entire Mòd story, including some excursions around Lewis and Harris, and ending with their ferry journey home. The last vlog in their series can be viewed here.
Second and third place respectively went to brothers Rufus and Felix (eight and five) from Oban, who both based their series on the journey to Stornoway, concluding with their competitions. In particular, judges praised Rufus for his creativity in his Bàrdachd Rufus vlog where he recites his Mòd poem in different places as he makes his way to Stornoway. In the adult categories, Ricky Hannaway and Alison MacRae, friends from the Isle of Lewis, made a humorous series of vlogs about the Mòd and the judges liked their entries Abair Sealladh! so much that not only did they win best adult series, but also best adult single vlog with Alison’s Sabotage Seòlta / Cunning Sabotage.
The friends are members of rival choirs and their series delves into the rivalry between them when the Mòd comes around. The judges were unanimous when choosing the winning single vlog in which Alison gets her own back on Ricky for spying on her choir. The vlog in which Alison impersonates the conductor of the other choir to sabotage their rehearsal was funny, well scripted and well planned.
Joy Dunlop, a self-confessed Mòd geek, gave an overview of her Mòd as judge and competitor. Her second vlog in which she shows her journey to Stornoway was praised by the judges and got second place in the single vlog category and her series was awarded second place overall.
Marcas Mac an Tuairneir’s series of seven vlogs was awarded third place and a vlog by Na Cardigans – friends Hannah, Caitlin and Eilish was awarded third in the adult singe vlog category.
Calum Maclean, vlogger on BBC The Social, judged the competition, along with highly regarded singer and teacher, Sineag MacIntyre and Alison Bruce, An Comunn Gaidhealach development officer.
Calum said: “The vlogs that were received in the Vlog a Mhòid competition were really creative, imaginative and personal. Some made us laugh, some made us think, and some inspired us. We were amazed at how different they all were – giving a great overview of Mòd life.
“Those making their very first vlogs should be especially commended. Ultimately we, as judges, found it very difficult to decide between them – all the vloggers should be proud of their efforts.”
Iseabail MacTaggart, MG ALBA’s Director of Strategy and Partnership, said: “We were delighted with the quality of the vlogs across the competition, both in creative ideas and execution of filming and editing. It was clear that Mòd goers’ imaginations were fired up. We look forward to seeing more in the future!”
The winners of MG ALBA’s Mòd vlogging competition have been announced.
Thirty nine entries – 17 from young people and 22 from adults – were submitted to the Vlog a’ Mhòid/Mod Vlog competition, which asked for short video blogs about the Mòd from anyone participating in any way whether it be as a performer, TV viewer, radio listener, competition adjudicator or Mòd supporter. Each category winner receives the prize of a GoPro camera.
Winner in the young person’s single vlog category was Beth, 11, from Kilmaluag on the Isle of Skye with her vlog entitled Clann Thròndairnis aig Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2016. Beth was part of a group called Clann Thròndairnis, who competed in several competitions at the Mòd, and her vlog tells the story of their journey to Stornoway, the group competing and the prizes they won. The judges particularly praised her ability to communicate her story in such a fun and vibrant way, using video effects and pictures to enhance her vlog.
In second place was Matthew age nine from Edinburgh, whilst brothers Ewan and Andrew 13 and 10 respectively, from Laide couldn’t be separated and scooped joint third place.
In the young person’s vlog series category, friends Katie and Breagha, both 10 years old, from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, were crowned winners with an impressive series that told their entire Mòd story, including some excursions around Lewis and Harris, and ending with their ferry journey home. The last vlog in their series can be viewed here.
Second and third place respectively went to brothers Rufus and Felix (eight and five) from Oban, who both based their series on the journey to Stornoway, concluding with their competitions. In particular, judges praised Rufus for his creativity in his Bàrdachd Rufus vlog where he recites his Mòd poem in different places as he makes his way to Stornoway. In the adult categories, Ricky Hannaway and Alison MacRae, friends from the Isle of Lewis, made a humorous series of vlogs about the Mòd and the judges liked their entries Abair Sealladh! so much that not only did they win best adult series, but also best adult single vlog with Alison’s Sabotage Seòlta / Cunning Sabotage.
The friends are members of rival choirs and their series delves into the rivalry between them when the Mòd comes around. The judges were unanimous when choosing the winning single vlog in which Alison gets her own back on Ricky for spying on her choir. The vlog in which Alison impersonates the conductor of the other choir to sabotage their rehearsal was funny, well scripted and well planned.
Joy Dunlop, a self-confessed Mòd geek, gave an overview of her Mòd as judge and competitor. Her second vlog in which she shows her journey to Stornoway was praised by the judges and got second place in the single vlog category and her series was awarded second place overall.
Marcas Mac an Tuairneir’s series of seven vlogs was awarded third place and a vlog by Na Cardigans – friends Hannah, Caitlin and Eilish was awarded third in the adult singe vlog category.
Calum Maclean, vlogger on BBC The Social, judged the competition, along with highly regarded singer and teacher, Sineag MacIntyre and Alison Bruce, An Comunn Gaidhealach development officer.
Calum said: “The vlogs that were received in the Vlog a Mhòid competition were really creative, imaginative and personal. Some made us laugh, some made us think, and some inspired us. We were amazed at how different they all were – giving a great overview of Mòd life.
“Those making their very first vlogs should be especially commended. Ultimately we, as judges, found it very difficult to decide between them – all the vloggers should be proud of their efforts.”
Iseabail MacTaggart, MG ALBA’s Director of Strategy and Partnership, said: “We were delighted with the quality of the vlogs across the competition, both in creative ideas and execution of filming and editing. It was clear that Mòd goers’ imaginations were fired up. We look forward to seeing more in the future!”
MÒD VLOG CHAMPIONS ARE CROWNED
The winners of MG ALBA’s Mòd vlogging competition have been announced.
Thirty nine entries – 17 from young people and 22 from adults – were submitted to the Vlog a’ Mhòid/Mod Vlog competition, which asked for short video blogs about the Mòd from anyone participating in any way whether it be as a performer, TV viewer, radio listener, competition adjudicator or Mòd supporter. Each category winner receives the prize of a GoPro camera.
Winner in the young person’s single vlog category was Beth, 11, from Kilmaluag on the Isle of Skye with her vlog entitled Clann Thròndairnis aig Mòd nan Eilean Siar 2016. Beth was part of a group called Clann Thròndairnis, who competed in several competitions at the Mòd, and her vlog tells the story of their journey to Stornoway, the group competing and the prizes they won. The judges particularly praised her ability to communicate her story in such a fun and vibrant way, using video effects and pictures to enhance her vlog.
In second place was Matthew age nine from Edinburgh, whilst brothers Ewan and Andrew 13 and 10 respectively, from Laide couldn’t be separated and scooped joint third place.
In the young person’s vlog series category, friends Katie and Breagha, both 10 years old, from Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, were crowned winners with an impressive series that told their entire Mòd story, including some excursions around Lewis and Harris, and ending with their ferry journey home. The last vlog in their series can be viewed here.
Second and third place respectively went to brothers Rufus and Felix (eight and five) from Oban, who both based their series on the journey to Stornoway, concluding with their competitions. In particular, judges praised Rufus for his creativity in his Bàrdachd Rufus vlog where he recites his Mòd poem in different places as he makes his way to Stornoway. In the adult categories, Ricky Hannaway and Alison MacRae, friends from the Isle of Lewis, made a humorous series of vlogs about the Mòd and the judges liked their entries Abair Sealladh! so much that not only did they win best adult series, but also best adult single vlog with Alison’s Sabotage Seòlta / Cunning Sabotage.
The friends are members of rival choirs and their series delves into the rivalry between them when the Mòd comes around. The judges were unanimous when choosing the winning single vlog in which Alison gets her own back on Ricky for spying on her choir. The vlog in which Alison impersonates the conductor of the other choir to sabotage their rehearsal was funny, well scripted and well planned.
Joy Dunlop, a self-confessed Mòd geek, gave an overview of her Mòd as judge and competitor. Her second vlog in which she shows her journey to Stornoway was praised by the judges and got second place in the single vlog category and her series was awarded second place overall.
Marcas Mac an Tuairneir’s series of seven vlogs was awarded third place and a vlog by Na Cardigans – friends Hannah, Caitlin and Eilish was awarded third in the adult singe vlog category.
Calum Maclean, vlogger on BBC The Social, judged the competition, along with highly regarded singer and teacher, Sineag MacIntyre and Alison Bruce, An Comunn Gaidhealach development officer.
Calum said: “The vlogs that were received in the Vlog a Mhòid competition were really creative, imaginative and personal. Some made us laugh, some made us think, and some inspired us. We were amazed at how different they all were – giving a great overview of Mòd life.
“Those making their very first vlogs should be especially commended. Ultimately we, as judges, found it very difficult to decide between them – all the vloggers should be proud of their efforts.”
Iseabail MacTaggart, MG ALBA’s Director of Strategy and Partnership, said: “We were delighted with the quality of the vlogs across the competition, both in creative ideas and execution of filming and editing. It was clear that Mòd goers’ imaginations were fired up. We look forward to seeing more in the future!”
