Doric Film Festival recognises north-east talents
The talents of north-east film makers were to the fore thanks to the recent culmination of a unique event which showcases Doric language and culture.
Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University was the setting for the finale of the 2024 Doric Film Festival which took the form of an awards ceremony and screening of this year’s winning entries on the theme: “Fit Wye Nae?”
The acclaimed Doric Film Festival, which is supported by the Scottish Government, is the brainchild of award-winning broadcaster and Scots Radio director Frieda Morrison whose tireless efforts to promote the language earned her, among other accolades, the Janet Paisley Award for Services to the Scots Language at Scotland’s Trad Awards 2023.
The annual festival, which was created by the award-winning Scots Radio, has a reputation for attracting a diverse field of work from individuals, groups and schools in celebration of the richness and diversity of the region.
Frieda Morrison said: “The success of the event relies on the support it receives from filmmakers, and all of them have once again gone to great lengths to produce excellent films.
“We are delighted to provide an important opportunity to come together and celebrate the value of Doric as a vibrant linchpin in modern life and we commend each and every participant for their efforts in reminding us of how vibrant and vital Doric is to everyday life.”
Professor Peter Reid said: “The Doric Film Festival is an annual showcase of both the culture of the north-east and the talent of local filmmakers.
“It is an event built around creativity, imagination and community engagement. We are delighted that the Robert Gordon University campus has again hosted this event.”
The category for individual film makers again attracted a high calibre of entry, with Aaron Gale’s Doric puppet film interpretation of Jack and the Beanstalk winning him the Spirit O’ the Festival Award for the second year running.
The judges’ Smeddum Award went to Lindsey Colin Wilson with Lucy Beth being named as Best Newcomer.
Group awards went to Torry Heritage Society for their multi-generational delve into the history of Walker Road School and to “Loon Caad Sue” for a unique interpretation of the Johnny Cash favourite.
In the schools’ category, the winners were St Peter’s RC Primary (Aberdeen), Hillside Primary School (Portlethen) and Monymusk Primary School whose diverse interpretations of this year’s theme won praise from across the judging panel.
