MG ALBA’s Gaelic online media shorts competition, FilmG, has this year had a record number of entries.

71 films have been entered from all over Scotland, with films across every genre from arty and animated, through comedy and calamity to serious and sombre. All entries can now be viewed online on the FilmG website at www.filmg.co.uk , where you can also vote for your favourite film until the 31st of January. The highest scoring film will be presented with the prestigious People’s Choice award at the FilmG Awards Ceremony in February.

The entries feature films from amateur filmmakers, students, schools and youth groups across the country and beyond, with one dedicated team in New York having entered this year!

All entries will also be judged by our FilmG Jury, comprised of BBC ALBA executives and representatives of the broadcast industry in Scotland, including Margaret Mary Murray, BBC Scotland’s Head of Gaelic Digital Service, award winning factual Producer and Director Michelle Friel of Friel Kean Films, the independent production company behind ‘The Scheme’, and television producer and ‘River City’ actor Tony Kearney.

Prizes will be awarded in three main categories; Drama/Comedy, Factual and the 12-17 age group, with an array of prizes to be won in each. The films short-listed in each category will be announced on the FilmG website in mid January.

Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, said: “Congratulations to the many people who have participated in FilmG this year. We are proud of the new champions of Gaelic digital media that are emerging from communities across Scotland and hope that as many people as possible will enjoy viewing their stories and voting for their favourites.”

The year’s FilmG Awards ceremony will take place at The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow on Friday 18 February 2011 at a night celebrating the talent behind the films with screenings of the winning films and live entertainment.

Source: Media House