Western Isles filmmakers and schools shortlisted for FilmG Awards

FilmG has announced the shortlists for FilmG 18, this year’s edition of the Gaelic short film competition. A total of 157 films were entered across the three FilmG competitions this year, with 38 entries in the 18+ competition, 60 in the -18 competition and 59 in the newly introduced -12 competition.

The Western Isles is strongly represented across this year’s shortlists, with nominations for schools, community groups and individual filmmakers from Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra.

In the 18+ competition, Isla Scott, originally from the Isle of Harris and now based in Glasgow, is shortlisted in the Factual category for Ga Mo Lorg-sa Fhathast. Cara MacDonald from the Isle of Lewis is also shortlisted in the Heritage category with Tha an t-Earrach an Seo.

In the -18 competition, An t-Eilean (Chaluim Chille) by Na Baidhsagaels is shortlisted in Factual, while Na Traoidhtearan from Sir E Scott School is shortlisted in Comedy. Castlebay Secondary School receives two nominations, with Trèigte shortlisted in Drama and Isbeanan Gu Leòr shortlisted in Performance.

The Nicolson Institute is also strongly represented, with Cha do Shèid Gaoth Riamh shortlisted in both Heritage and FilmG Choice, while Bhlad: An Oifigear Corp-orra from CnaG The Nicolson Institute is shortlisted in Comedy.

The -12 competition was added this year to create a clearer space for primary school entries, while allowing the -18 competition to focus on secondary school age filmmakers.

In the -12 competition, Lewis schools also feature strongly. Gaisgich a’ Bhac from Sgoil a’ Bhac is shortlisted in Comedy, while Sgoil nan Loch receives two nominations, with Salmaidh shortlisted in Heritage and Oidhche Shabaid aig Taigh Granaidh, created with CnaG, shortlisted in Comedy. Laxdale Primary School is also shortlisted in Heritage for A’ Lorg Steòrnabhagh.

Independent judging panels selected the shortlists for all categories except the three FilmG Choice Awards. The FilmG Choice Award in each competition was selected by public vote, with the four most popular films in each age group now in contention and listed in no particular order.