At the end of March, we were delighted to host the New Lanark Film Festival – and for many, the standout moment was our Independent Film Awards Night!

While we’re all about sharing stories from New Lanark’s historic past, it was such a joy to celebrate storytelling in all its modern forms, from animation to horror, and Gaelic language films to comedies. It really was a night of seeing Scotland on screen in all its creativity and charm.

Our awards were handmade right here onsite by the talented folks at Lanark Men’s Shed. The Audience Award was scooped up by The Scheme for their laugh-out-loud mockumentary Pickers, a high-stakes look into rival litter-picking groups in West Lothian.

The Peter Jewell Award went to 1815, directed by Neil Boyle, a beautifully told and moving story of an unlikely companionship formed during the Highland Clearances.

Huge thanks to all of our amazing nominees, to everyone who came along to support and cheer them on, and of course to our incredible volunteers who helped bring the night to life.

A special mention to The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum for their support in naming the Jury Award in honour of Peter Jewell, a much-loved patron of film and the arts who will be deeply missed. We’re proud to carry his name forward through this award.

Big thanks also to photographer Stewart Neill for capturing the night so perfectly.

 

And fear not, if you didn’t make it along on the night, you can watch both award-winning short films here: