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2026 Schedule

Join us in Ayrshire for The Scottish Youth Film Festival 2026!

Friday 2nd October | 6:00pm - 9:00pm | New Talent Showcase
(for young people aged 19-26)

Saturday 3rd October | 10:00am - 4:30pm | Scottish Youth Film Festival
(For young people aged 12-26)

New Talent Showcase

Friday 2nd October
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Prestwick Academy, KA9 2LB

Aged 19-26?

 

Join us for an exclusive evening of films, industry tips and networking.

 

• Chat to industry pros in a relaxed, friendly and accessible environment.

 

• Meet other Scottish filmmakers... (and potential future collaborators!).

 

• Celebrate the hard work and creativity of the young Scottish film community.

 

• Watch an excellent selection of short films, made by 19-26 year olds in Scotland.

 

Featuring

"In Conversation" and Q&A with Sarah Purser, Producer of upcoming TV Show "Wax Fruit". Hear all about developing a high end Scottish period drama for TV and have a chat after! 

 

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Saturday Workshops & Screenings

Saturday 3rd October
10:00am - 4:30pm
Prestwick Academy, KA9 2LB

Discover the magic of film!

 

There's something for everyone, whether you're just starting your journey in the world of film, or on a path into the industry.

 

For ages 12-26

Book your General Admission Ticket for entry to all main hall events, the exhibitor area, access to industry 1-1s, film screenings, and a free lunch!​

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Main hall sessions include:​​

  • Careers at Disney.​​

  • "Ask the Industry" Q&A with a panel of experts in everything from Writing to Producing festivals to Screen Sustainability.

  • In Conversation and Q&A with Producer and 1st AD, Tommy Gormley (Star Wars, Mission Impossible, Star Trek).

Smaller, limited space workshops are listed below, these must be booked separately from your general admission ticket.

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Bookable Workshops

The workshops listed below are limited capacity and we recommend booking ahead of time to avoid disappointment, as they can fill up quickly!

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Film Student

Show, Don’t tell: Telling Stories Visually

10:30am - 11:30am

Saturday, 3rd October

Join Writer & Director Sarah Grant for a screenwriting workshop that focuses on how to tell amazing stories without any characters having to say anything.

 

An image is worth 1000 words, come and learn how to write with images!

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Documentary

Sustainable Filmmaking 101

10:30am - 11:30am

Saturday, 3rd October

Ever wondered how some of your favourite films & TV shows were made without leaving such a big impact on the planet?

 

Join Screen Sustainability Manager Sara Hamilton to learn how to make your own shoots more eco-friendly now and in the future, when you’re the one making Hollywood hits!

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Fights for Film

10:30am - 11:30am

Saturday, 3rd October

Join Fight Director EmmaClaire Brightlyn for a crash course in how fights work on film.

 

Participants will get to move their bodies and have the chance to see how pieces of action are caught on camera.

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Acting for Screen

11:30am - 2:30pm

Saturday, 3rd October

Join Scottish Actress Joanne Thomson and learn tools to prepare a scene for a professional set, learn some important filming vocabulary, and have an opportunity to ask a professional TV & Film actor any of your burning questions about auditions, self-tapes and the differences between stage & screen.

Note: This Session includes a lunch break (free lunch provided) from 12:30pm to 1:30pm.

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Red Carpet Event

Navigating Film Festivals

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Saturday, 3rd October

You’ve made your film—now what? Don’t waste money on random submissions. Join veteran festival producer Diane Henderson to learn how the festival circuit actually works.

 

Discover how programmers choose films, how to build a smart submission strategy on a budget, and how to use festivals to find networking and funding opportunities.

 

Turn your project into a career launchpad!

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Animation

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Saturday, 3rd October

Join Scottish filmmaker Wilma Smith for a lively, hands-on session exploring animation, creative storytelling and resourceful filmmaking.

 

Discover inventive techniques, practical tips and ways to make engaging films with whatever you have to hand

Scottish Youth Film Festival 2025
Winning Films

12 & Under  | Animation

The Ugly Animals by Kate

12 & Under | Live Action

The Case of Polly Philips by Akylai & Eilidh

13 - 18 | Animation

Ophelia by Rachel Munro

13 - 18 | Documentary

The Final Hour by Hope Chapman

13 - 18 | Live Action

On Fault by Parker Dawes

19 - 26 | Animation

Tracy by Olive Sinclair

19 - 26 | Documentary

Scotland's Missing Orcas by Emilie Stewart

19 - 26 | Live Action

One In The Chamber by Daniel Cass Senior

Get in Touch

Have a question? Drop us an email and we'll be happy to help.

© 2026 Scottish Youth Film Foundation

The Scottish Youth Film Festival is produced by the Scottish Youth Film Foundation (SC047612) & supported by Screen Scotland

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