Success at the FilmG awards!
A Gaelic film featuring members of the Galson Estate community has scooped a top prize at the recent FilmG awards.
Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (UOG) produced a short film last summer, directed by student filmmaker, Sandy Morrison from Back, featuring a variety of individuals from the community, sharing their thoughts and experiences of what community means to them. Ar Coimhearsnachd, Ar Beachdan, Our Community, Our Views won the Community Award at the FilmG Awards which took place in Glasgow on Friday 23rd February.
Sandy, who is studying Film and Media at the University of Stirling, was on a summer placement with UOG for 12 weeks as part of the Greis Gniomhachais (work experience) programme, when he was tasked with making a community-based film. UOG offers a range of apprenticeship opportunities and work experience placements for young people and recognise the value, skills and talent young people bring to the workplace and Sandy’s work on this film is a prime example of this.
Members of the community, the youngest being two years old and the oldest being in their 70s, took part in the project and a variety of individuals, from local businesspeople to school pupils, and crofters to retired teachers, shared their thoughts on community for the film.
Sandy commented: “Making this short film was a great experience and it was a fantastic opportunity to put what I’ve been studying into action. We spoke to some very interesting people, and heard lots of different views, but the one theme which was really apparent was that it is the people that really make a community. I’m delighted that our film won the prize for best Community Project at the FilmG Awards and the whole experience has been a fantastic stepping stone in my career.”
Janet Macleod, Cultural Engagement Officer, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, said: “During his time with Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn last summer, Sandy not only became a part of our community but also produced, directed and edited this film, which showcases the Galson Estate Trust area and its residents. We are thankful for the opportunities given by projects such as FilmG, which allow our young people to broaden their experiences and skills in media and Gaelic.
“We are very grateful to everyone who gave their time and shared their views, and we hope that the film is something the whole community can be really proud of.”
A group of young actors and filmmakers from Sgoil an Taobh Siar were also nominated for Best Youth Group on the night, for their film, De do Bheachd?
You can watch the award-winning film, Ar Coimhearsnachd, Ar Beachdan below.
