Cinetopia: Recommends, 14-20 April 2025🍿
Film screenings, events, opportunities and film news for the week / month ahead, covering Edinburgh, Glasgow and beyond! Helping you stay connected to the film community... 🎉
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AROUND TOWN
Film screenings & events in Edinburgh and Glasgow 🍿
EDINBURGH
FILM SCREENINGS:
BSL Film Club - Wild Robot | Deaf Action's BSL Film Club presents Wild Robot.
After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island's animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose. | Deaf Action | 17 April, 7pm
First Picture - Documentary Screening Tour | To mark Palestinian Prisoner Day, Scottish PSC will screen the documentary 'First Picture' (2006) by Akram Al-Ashqar, who is doing his PhD in film at the University of Glasgow, at locations across Scotland. Akram will join us for Q&A sessions following the film.
18 April, 7pm - CCA, Glasgow.
23 April, 7pm - St Augustines, Edinburgh
The Wonders | This early film from Alice Rohrwacher follows a rural Italian family as they join The Wonders, a TV show which is filming nearby | Grassmarket Picture House | 16 April, 7pm
Relaxed Screening: The Stimming Pool | Created by a collective of neurodivergent filmmakers in an attempt to provide an alternative and artistic take on what it's like to live with neurodivergence in a chaotic world not made for those who are different. Relaxed screenings are designed to make cinema-going easier for those needing additional support, including neurodivergent audiences and those living with dementia. | The Cameo Picturehouse | 14 April, 6pm
Why not Scotland? | At a pivotal moment for our land and seas, Why Not Scotland? follows Flo, a young Glaswegian, as she explores the Scottish landscape. Confronted by depleted nature and an uncertain future, Flo shares the fears of many in her generation. But a journey through Europe reveals a different story, one of nature’s revival and renewed communities. Inspired, Flo begins to ask: if it can happen there, why not in Scotland? | ECCI (Edinburgh Climate Change Institute) | 14 April, 6.45pm
French Film: Making Of | By director Cédric Kahn: Simon, a seasoned director, starts a shoot. However, between the scheming and the edgy technicians, he soon finds himself in over his head. His only ally in this hellish shoot is the extra he has entrusted with the making of documentary of the film | French Institute | 16 April, 2pm
The White House Effect - UK Premiere | Cinetopia: DOC presents this powerful, archive footage-based documentary exploring the dramatic origin story of the climate crisis and how a political battle in the George H.W. Bush administration changed the course of history | The Cameo | 21 April, 7.45pm
EVENTS:
Film Club - The Player (1992) | The Edinburgh ‘Like A Book Group But With Films’ Group meets in the pub every other Thursday to chat films and TV! Come along, it’s fun! | Bennets Bar | 17 April, 7.30pm
SI-FAN FILM FESTIVAL 2025 | Scotland's coolest new genre festival returns with three international premieres at the Everyman Cinema and over 50 short films in Edinburgh's hidden cinema. Celebrating home grown talent with 17 short films selected that were made in Scotland. Industry and networking opportunities and a secret double bill screening in a nuclear bunker. For weirdos only! | Various venues | 28 April - 4 May 2025
Folk Film Gathering | The world's first folk film festival returns to Cameo for another programme of folk cinema from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, Algeria, Iceland, Lebanon, Palestine, and Ukraine. | MULTIPLE VENUES ACROSS EDINBURGH from 26 April - 11 May
GLASGOW
FILM SCREENINGS:
10 Years of Access Film Club - Fantastic Mr. Fox + short film | GFT, together with The National Autistic Society Scotland, is delighted to provide Access Film Club: a screening and post-film discussion in a friendly and welcoming environment. When Access Film Club began in 2015, it was the first autism-friendly cinema screening. We are excited to be celebrating our 10th Anniversary in April 2025! | GFT | 14 April, 6pm
EatFilm at Sloans - Wayne’s World | Enjoy a night at the movies with a difference without breaking the bank! Movie, Main, Drink & Popcorn - £20pp *Over 18’s Only | Sloans | 15 April, 6.30pm
Visible Cinema - Four Mothers | Talented novelist Edward is juggling work with caring for his elderly mother, Alma. As he gets ready for a US book tour, his three friends decide to go to Pride in Spain, leaving their mothers in his care.There will be full access for Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing cinema-goers at this screening. The film will have descriptive subtitles, and the introduction and discussion will have Live Captioning and BSL interpretation. There are no ads or trailers before the film. | 15 April, 5.40pm
CinemARC: The Wild Robot | A screening of the Oscar nominated animation The Wild Robot and the chance to interact with robots in real life! | Mazumdar Shaw Advanced Research Centre | 16 April, 5pm
German Cinema: When Will It Be Again Like It Never Was Before | Film adaptation of the autobiographical novel by Joachim Meyerhoff from 2013.
Growing up on the grounds of one of Germany's largest psychiatric hospitals is somehow - different. For Joachim, the director's youngest son, the patients are like family | Goethe Institute | 16 April, 6pm
Horror Minus Horror - 45 Years | Horror Minus Horror tests and expands the boundaries of the genre: a conversation between films that employ horror’s aesthetic conventions without being considered horror, and films that explore horror’s themes without using those aesthetics. Andrew Haigh’s 45 Years is a family drama set within a sinister frame, and a ghost story without the ghost | CCA Glasgow | 17 April, 7.30pm
Easter Family Film Screening | Lights, camera... hot cross buns? Feature. Fringe. Family. Think feel-good, thought-provoking, and family-friendly flicks all in one welcoming space.| Barlanark Greyfriars Parish Church | 18 April, 6.30pm
Blythswood Square Hotel Cinema Club - Peter Rabbit | Join us for a special screening of Peter Rabbit—a hopping good time filled with popcorn, comfy seats, and a heartwarming movie. Lots of easter treats in store! | Kimpton Blythswood Square | 19 April, 11am
EVENTS:
Rot Your Brain: A Television Reading Group | Discuss theories and themes in contemporary and past television. This month: Bob's Burgers | Glasgow Zine Library | 17 April, 7pm
Filmmaking Workshops for Trans and Non-binary People | SQIFF and Scottish Trans brings 4x filmmaking workshop sessions for Trans and Non-Binary people to learn accessible ways to make a film. | Transmission Gallery | 20 April, 2pm
FURTHER AFIELD AND FURTHER AHEAD!
Film-related treats happening around the UK!
DUNDEE - Kim’s Video at DCA! | Cinetopia’s UK tour of Kim’s Video continues with a screening in Dundee! Take part in our Mystery Video Swap Box!In celebration of video store culture, physical media, and sharing movie moments we’re inviting you to bring along a DVD (or VHS!) to this screening of Kim's Video. Pop your tape into the Mystery Video Swap Box and 'lucky dip' for a new one to take home!
NEWCASTLE - NERD FEST 2025! | Nerd Fest takes over Gateshead Stadium with Retro Gaming, Cosplay competitions, movie sets/cars, Magician, geeky traders and lots of family | Gateshead International Stadium | 19 April, 10-4pm
BRISTOL - Too Much: A Season of Melodrama – Sprint Event | FAN (Film Audience Network) is proud to unveil the new UK-wide season – Too Much: A Season of Melodrama – where audiences are invited to follow their emotions this Autumn. The Sprint Event is an opportunity for FAN members to come together to explore the themes and opportunities as part of Too Much. You might just want to find out more about menu titles available; or would like to develop a bespoke programme in your location; or have an idea for a cross FAN project involving several exhibitors around the UK. This is also a chance to connect with other film exhibitors that are also interested in developing similar projects. Get involved!| Watershed Cinema | 15 April, 10.30 -3 pm
OPPORTUNITIES
JOBS / WORK OPPORTUNITIES COMING UP:
Filmhouse Edinburgh has two more job openings: deadline 18 April
Marketing Officer - £26,000 pa
Programme Officer - £26,000 pro rata (part time)
PR & Comms - Celtic Media Festival | Provide comprehensive PR & comms support for the CMF, taking place in Newquay, Cornwall from the 3rd to the 5th of June 2025 | Deadline end April
Head of Operations & Development - Luminate | This new part-time leadership role will provide strategic leadership and business direction for Luminate, leading on business development, fundraising, finances, and operations. | £40,000 pro rata for 24 hours/week, plus pension | Apply before 28 April
Freelancers Open Evening with Catalyst Event Production Services Ltd. | Come along to our Freelancer Open Evening on 30th April to have a chat with our team. We are always looking for new freelancers to add to our books.
COURSES & WORKSHOPS:
Self-producing workshop | run by Tortoise in the Shell, a free 3-hour workshop for early career artists on how to produce their own work covering finance, scheduling and working with people. | Heart of Newhaven, Edinburgh| 9 May 2-5pm, apply before 25 April
Directors Prep by National Film & Television School Scotland | Having directed film and television for over thirty years, and authored the book ' The Film Director Prepares', Jonas Grimas will explain, simplify and de-mystify the abstract elements of filmmaking - and share a string of his secrets.| NFTS Glasgow | 2 days 10am -5pm, in-person, 31 May - 1 June
Scottish Screenwriters | Come to our next Scottish Screenwriters event for a night of script table readings, workshops and networking. Actors, filmmakers, film lovers – all welcome!Tickets are PYWC, £3, £5, £7. No need to book – just show up on the night! If you would like to submit a script to be read, find out how here. | GMAC Film | 14 April, 7pm
TV Training Programme | A TV show shooting in Scotland is recruiting up to 18 trainees, across various departments. Trainees will learn from some of the finest technicians and creatives working in the film and television industry. The experience of training within a real filming environment will create a strong platform for trainees to embark on successful careers within the sector | Trainees will be paid salaries between £605.00 and £756.25 per week (inclusive of holiday pay), depending on the role. | Apply by 21 April - via Screen Scotland
Early Entrant Pathways (to film and TV) | FREE two day training courses in variety of Film/TV departments to get early entrants to the industry "set ready" | NFTS Scotland - multiple dates in April and May
Scottish Youth Film Foundation Sean Connery Talent Lab opens for applications | This summer school will take place near Alness in the Highlands and will be free to all participants. | Scottish Youth Film Foundation | Apply Now
Screen Combat Course / Learn smallsword stage and screen combat, putting performance in action through choreographed swordplay - organised by Stage Fight Scotland / From 7-12 April
Introductory Photography Course | An introductory photography course for 16-25 year olds that will teach you basic photography skills as well as encourage you to develop your own projects. | Stills School, Edinburgh | Apply before 25 April
Producing for Screen: Development to Distribution | Learn the essentials of producing for film and TV in this 2-day workshop — covering development, financing, production, and distribution. | GMAC Film Glasgow | 26-27 April, apply before 25 April
Intro to Editing with Avid Media Composer | NFTS Scotland | 3-day course 29 April - 1 May, Apply by 18 April
Documenting Dreams: Embodied Filmmaking Workshop | IMPRINT Documentary collective present: A four week online filmmaking course on the body and water in documentary - for women, trans and non binary people. Sunday evenings in May | Starting 4 May
Voice Workshop – Presence and Alignment in Voice | Discover your true voice through breath, body and vocal work to speak with presence, clarity and confidence across any medium. | GMAC Film | 4 May, 10-5pm
NFTS: Interviewing for Documentary and Factual Filmmaker / From actuality interviews to formal sit-downs, we will spend two days developing your interviewing skills and experimenting with different techniques and approach / NFTS Scotland / 8 & 9 May
Solar Reels - Deaf Film School - Looking for 3 deaf people to take part in a 2 week summer film school | Mentored by two deaf film and television professionals, you’ll gain hands-on experience in story development, production skills, filming, and editing. This includes creating your own film! | Solar Bear, Glasgow | 14-26 July, apply by 12 May
Story for Pitch Decks / You’ve got a great idea and a script you think industry producers and execs should read. But how do you convince them? 2 day course. / ONLINE / 6 + 20 June
FUNDING / AWARDS / FESTIVALS:
FESTIVALS LOOKING FOR FILM SUBMISSIONS:
GMAC Short FIlm Festival | GMAC’s Short Film fest is dedicated to showcasing Scottish-based artists and championing diverse, underrepresented voices in independent filmmaking. We are looking for creative, thought-provoking, and entertaining independent films. | Deadline 15 April
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 / Festival will run from 14-20 August / Deadline: 18 April
SQIFF - Scottish Queer International Film Festival / Open for short film submissions to the 2025 edition of their festival that runs 28th October – 1st November. Submission fees are pay what you can / Deadline 20 April
LandxSea Festival Montrose / Scotland’s leading environmental film festival, we celebrate bold, thought-provoking storytelling that challenges, inspires, and connects audiences to the planet’s most pressing issues / Submissions close on 21 April
Saint Andrews Film Festival | The platform for Self-Expression and Filmmaking Education. We elevate Scottish cinema and cross-cultural exchange. | Deadline 30 April
Edinburgh Short Film Festival / The 15th edition with International Film Festival showcases, more short film screenings, trophies, cash prizes and awards! / Regular deadline 16 May
FUNDS, GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS:
Vimeo Short Film Grant / Lights, camera, funded 🎬 We’re delighted to support the next generation of filmmakers with the inaugural VIMEO Short Film Grant, Presented by Nikon USA and @reddigitalcinema - Apply before 18 April
Elizabeth Neuffer Journalism Fellowship | International Women’s Media Foundation Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship is taking applications, providing academic and professional opportunities to advance the reporting skills of women and nonbinary journalists who focus on human rights and social justice. | Apply before 20 April
Changing Perspectives Film Fund / UK Jewish Film is delighted to announce the launch of a new film fund for 2025, which will support the production of three high-quality, dramatic short films (approximately 15 minutes each), aimed at teenagers, and set in present-day Britain / First deadline 21 April
Win £10,000 to Fund Your Documentary | The Listening Pitch - The Aesthetica x Audible UK | Submit to the listening pitch is a £10,000 documentary grant. Over the past 5 years, we have funded and produced eight documentaries that highlight the power of storytelling through sound. Many of these films have gone on to screen at SXSW, BFI Flare, San Francisco International Film Festival and Sundance and be acquired by Guardian Documentaries. | Deadline, 21 April
Yarns Short Film Competition: 5-minute short film. | Win £2,000 funding and a premiere at Curzon Soho by Friday 2 May.Yarns is calling on unsigned filmmakers to react creatively to the new abnormal and come up with a short film idea based on the theme of disinformation[1]. Can you make sense of the chaos - or will you make chaos of the sense? | Deadline 2 May
Shore Scripts Short Film Fund | Shore Scripts was set up to help emerging screenwriters break into the film and TV industry. Win up to $15,000 production grant or $4,000 in finishing funds.(Costs apply) | Final deadline 2 May
Open Call for Southeast Asian Storytellers! | Join the Just Futures Impact Story Lab — a new initiative for creators working on audiovisual projects that tackle regional issues. | Apply by 18 May, lab takes place 6-9 September in Bali, Indonesia
The Film Fund up to $10,000 for your short | Craft and submit one sentence with a compelling premise that also conveys why you need this funding to achieve your vision. Our judges will choose the best one. Get creative capital to use for the production of a short, or use it as a film finishing fund. See examples here, and enter below. | Apply before 28 May
Creative Scotland Open Fund for Individuals / Supporting the wide range of activity initiated by artists, writers, producers and other creative practitioners in Scotland. / Until 8 October 2025
Reel Impact / Igniting change and creating equity for Black and Global Majority professionals in the TV and Film industry, from WFTV - grants for individuals and organisations / Sign up here for news of the next round of funding
NFTS Sylvia Anderson Scholarship | A new funding opportunity for aspiring storytellers, created in partnership with ITV Studios. The Sylvia Anderson Scholarship will support students on the NFTS’ world-renowned two year Screenwriting MA, ensuring that the next generation of screenwriters continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. | Starting Jan 2026
NEWS:
Film stories, productions, news, reports, industry insights, and other tidbits that have caught our attention this week!
Almost a third of UK independent cinemas say they are at risk 🍿
Cannes Line-up announced. So far, NO Jim Jarmusch, or Park Chan Wook, or Lynne Ramsey! 🎞️
Universal’s first European theme park confirmed for UK in £50 billion economy boost and 20,000 jobs. 🎢
Hit drama Adolescence joins INTO FILM+ so it can be screened in schools across UK 📺
Film Festivals currently running / coming up:
Queer East Film Festival / 17-28 April / Multiple locations, UK
Folk Film Gathering / 26 April - 11 May / Multiple locations, Edinburgh
Alchemy Film & Arts / 1-4 May - Hawick, Scottish Borders
Festival de Cannes / 14-23 May - Cannes, France
Sheffield DocFest / 18 - 23 June - Sheffield