Cinetopia: Recommends, 21 - 27 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... 🎉
Howdy Movie Fans! 👋 Welcome to your weekly film happenings drop…
WANT TO SUPPORT OUT NEWSLETTER? You can DONATE the cost of a coffee to keep us fuelled and motivated!
This newsletter is written out of love and a mission to support film-related activity all support is greatly welcome! 🙏
Want to feature your screening, event, opportunity or news for free! Simply complete our: EVENTS and OPPORTUNITIES SUBMISSION FORM.
If this newsletter gets cut off half-way click to view the full version here.
AROUND TOWN
Film screenings & events in Edinburgh and Glasgow 🍿
EDINBURGH
FILM SCREENINGS:
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, 8pm
The Old Oak | A northern mining village faces tensions upon the arrival of a group of Syrian refugees in a moving film from Ken Loach | Grassmarket Picturehouse | 23 April, 7pm
First Picture (documentary screening tour) | First Picture (2006) tells the story of a Palestinian child born in one of the Israeli Occupation’s prisons. He is released without his mother after nearly 3 years in prison. This film is on tour with director Akram Al-Ashqar joining for Q&As - Free ticketed event - donations welcome! St Augustine’s Church | 23 April 7pm
Heroin ‘Uncut’ - The Films of Peter Carr | Heroin ‘Uncut’ - The Films of Peter Carr and the Edinburgh Community Stories Behind Them | North Edinburgh Arts | 23, 24 & 25 April, 6.30pm
The Dreamer / L’homnme d’argile | Raphael only has one eye. He is the guardian of a mansion in which no one lives any more. At almost 60 years old, he lives with his mother in a pavilion located at the entrance to the estate. One stormy night, Garance, the heiress, returns. French with Eng subtitles | French Institute | 23 April, 2pm
Ratcatcher | Debut film by Scottish director and writer Lynne Ramsay. It's Glasgow in 1973 and young James' world is changing - he's growing up. | Craigmillar Now | 24 April, 6pm
Doc'n Roll Presents: We Are Fugazi From Washington D.C. // A Charity-Supported Screening | Created to commemorate the 20 years that have passed since DC-based post-hardcore band Fugazi’s last live appearance (4th November 2002, at London's Forum), We Are Fugazi from Washington, D.C. is a 96-minute movie comprising crowd-sourced, fan-recorded live shows and rare archive footage of Fugazi curated by Joe Gross, Joseph Pattisall and Jeff Krulik. | Cameo Cinema | 24 April, 6.10pm
Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII | Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII, the groundbreaking 1972 film directed by Adrian Maben, returns to theaters, now digitally re-mastered in 4K from the original 35mm footage with enhanced audio. Set in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheater in Pompeii, Italy, the film captures Pink Floyd performing an intimate concert without an audience. | Everyman Edinburgh | 24 April, 8.30pm
Relaxed screening: Guys & Dolls | Marlin Brando is Nathan Detroit, the fixer of New York's longest established floating crap game, who is feeling the heat on all sides. Relaxed screenings are designed to make cinema-going easier for those needing additional support, including neurodivergent audiences and those living with dementia. | Cameo Cinema | 25 April, 11am
Fundraiser for Palestine | CinemaAttic is proud to collaborate with the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign to present a short film night in aid of two fantastic organisations. With films ranging from drama and documentary to fantasy and romance, this event celebrates the diversity of Palestinian cinema while drawing attention to the brutality of the Israeli occupation and its effects on the Palestinian people - Sent in by CinemaAttic | CCA Glasgow 24 April | St Peter’s Church Edinburgh 26 April
Lynchspirations: Freaks | Cleopatra, a circus' beautiful trapeze artist, agrees to marry Hans, the leader of a group of side-show performers. But after a shocking revelation, the members of the troupe learn that she has been having an affair with the circus strong man and is only marrying their friend for his inheritance. | Cameo Cinema | 27 April, 4.45pm
EVENTS:
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:
Inside Llewyn Davis + introduction | A special screening of one of the Cown Brothers’ greatest triumphs, Inside Llewyn Davis, introduced by film critic Alistair Harkness. Inside Llewyn Davis follows a week in the life of a young folk singer as he navigates New York City's folk scene of 1961. | GFT | 21 April, 8pm
Escape From Extinction: Rewilding | Earth Day Screening - Can the world be saved when so much has already been lost? Narrated by Academy Award winner Meryl Streep, this fascinating, inspiring, and timely documentary follows the scientific experts on the frontlines of conservation as they seek to answer this question. | GFT | 22 April, 6.20pm
EatFilm at Sloans - Mrs Doubtfire | After a bitter divorce, Daniel, an actor, disguises himself as Mrs Doubtfire, an elderly female housekeeper, in order to spend time with his children, who are in his former wife's custody. Movie, Main, Drink & Popcorn - £20pp | Sloans | 22 April, 6.30pm
Earth Day Screening: X Trillion | A feature documentary following a pioneering all-women expedition to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. | National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall | 23 April, 6pm
Laurie Knott - Neanderbaby Film Screening | Neanderbaby (2025) is a 33 minute video work created by Laurie Knott in collaboration with several Glasgow based artists. The video work examines how ideas of achievement and success first germinate and eventually grow to mould personal identity and self-worth. | CCA Glasgow | 23 April, 7pm
FP Arts Short Film Festival - April | Get ready for a night of awesome short films at the FP Arts Short Film Festival - it's gonna be epic! | East Kilbride Arts Centre | 25 April, 6pm
Made in Castlemilk Film Screening | An afternoon of powerful storytelling as we showcase three short films exploring and celebrating Castlemilk stories and filmmakers. Organised by Glasgow Trade Unions Council | The Braes Shopping Centre | 27 April, 2pm
Borscht Film Club/Beetroots Collective - It's Not My Film | Winner of the SMART7 International Competition Maria Zbąska’s debut feature (which she also wrote and shot) is a distinctive 21st century comedy with a serious message. Wanda and Janek have reached breaking point in their relationship. In a final attempt to reconcile their future they embark on a 400km walk along the wintery Baltic coast. There are rules. Can they keep to them? | CCA Glasgow | 25 April, 6pm
Schneewittchen (Snow White) + Q&A | Sound supersedes sight in Stanley Schtinter’s austere anti-fairy tale Schneewittchen, an English-language remake of João César Monteiro’s Branca de Neve (2000), made largely of an audio performance of Robert Walser’s titular play set to a black screen, occasionally relieved by shots of passing clouds. In Walser’s radical reworking of the Grimm fable, a resurrected Snow White reconciles with the Evil Queen, denying any foul play and even seeking forgiveness for provoking her jealousy. | Followed by a Q&A with director Stanley Schtinter | GFT | 26 April, 8.40pm
In the Shadow of the Sun + Imagining October - Derek Jarman season | two works by Derek Jarman screening as part of the Derek Jarman: Modern Nature on Film season, programmed in collaboration with The Hunterian, University of Glasgow, which is currently presenting an exhibition focused on Jarman’s work in painting, film, queer activism and writing. | GFT | 27 April, 5pm
EVENTS:
The Scottish Outdoor and Adventure Film Tour | Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the very best of the Scottish outdoors, adventure and filmmaking. | Drygate Brewing Co. | 23 April, 7pm
Final Girls Glasgow - Horror Film Club April Meet Up | Female horror fan? Talk to us about your favourite Possession horror films as we chat the genre and our movie of the month: Talk to Me. | Stereo, Renfield Lane | 24 April, 7pm
Scriptwriting workshop with Andrew Pettigrew | Led by experienced writer Andrew Pettigrew, this workshop is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and grow as a screenwriter. A space to develop your skills, meet like-minded creatives, and explore your potential as a writer. | Impact Arts | 25 April, 6pm
UWS MA Filmmaking Open Day 2025 | Come learn more about the UWS Masters Filmmaking programme and meet the multi award-winning filmmaking team who deliver the programme. | Film City Glasgow | 25 April, 2pm
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 | 27 April, 2pm
FURTHER AFIELD AND FURTHER AHEAD!
Film-related treats happening around the UK!
Meet The Buchanan’s + Q&A | Meet the Buchanans' Scotland-wide tour continues with a matinee show at Cumbernauld's Lanternhouse Cinema followed by a Q&A with Producer/co-Director Barbara Orton and Cumbernauld Historical Society's John Kirkhope. - Sent in by Lantern House Arts | Lanternhouse Cinema 27 April, 2.30p
DUNOON - Dunoon Film Festival | A special four days of films and activities for everyone, brought to you by Dunoon Community Development Trust and partners. | 24-27 April
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 | DCA | 25 April, 8pm
OPPORTUNITIES
JOBS / WORK OPPORTUNITIES COMING UP:
Film Programmer (Part-time, 24hrs/week) - INDY Film | £26500 pro rata. (Actual £15900), apply before 21 April
Programme Assistant - CCA Glasgow | £15,000 (based on FTE £25,000) - 3 days per week , apply before 23 April
Head of Digital & Content | Premier Scot PR (entertainment and arts PR agency) | £30,000 - £40,000 per annum, paid monthly, apply by 25 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
Prop builders for escape room and immersive event asset | Challenger Escapes | Expected day rate £180-£250 dependant on experience for a full 40hr week, our works tends to require anything from a week to 3 or 4 months | Apply before 5 May
Cinema Duty Managers | £13.50 ph - apply by 9 May
Chef de partie | £12.60 ph - apply by 9 May
Hospitality Supervisor | £13.10 ph - apply by 9 May
Hospitality Team | £12.60 pm - apply by 9 May
Marketing Manager - Manipulate Arts | £35k per annum pro rata (£21k per annum) - 3 days per week, apply before 15 May
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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:
25% bursary for women in video games | John Yorke Story - Covers 25% of the regular course price and is available to one female applicant for each iteration of this course. The only requirements are that you are a woman who loves and plays video games, and is interested in how to tell engaging game stories. | Apply before 2 June
BFI Creative Fund Opens | UK screen organisations can apply for funding ranging from £12,000 to £150,000 | Ongoing until March 2026
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
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
Schools Screen Education Fund | Funding to support schools across Scotland in their delivery of film and screen education. £500 - £5,000 per project. | Screen Scotland | apply before March 2026
NEWS:
Film stories, productions, news, reports, industry insights, and other tidbits that have caught our attention this week!
A tribute to the late Scottish producer “Mother of Scottish FIlm” Paddy Higson Screen Scotland 🎞️
Cannes Scotland Docs-in-Progress showcase unveils projects 📽️
AI creative studio’ Wonder raises £2.3m to take on Hollywood 🤖
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey shoot is coming to Scotland 🔱
Film Festivals currently running / coming up:
Queer East Film Festival / 17-28 April / Multiple locations, UK
Si Fan Film Festival / 28 April - 4 May / Edinburgh
Folk Film Gathering / 26 April - 11 May / Multiple locations, Edinburgh
Alchemy Film & Arts / 1-4 May - Hawick, Scottish Borders
Falastin Film Festival Scotland / 9-19 May / various locations Edinburgh & Glasgow
Festival de Cannes / 14-23 May - Cannes, France
Sheffield DocFest / 18 - 23 June - Sheffield