film
fesTIVAL
West
LOTHIAN
ABOUT
West Lothian Film Festival, located in the vibrant town of Livingston, is a premier national event dedicated to celebrating the art of cinema. Our festival stands out by offering a unique blend of Scottish culture and heritage, creating an authentic experience that appeals to both local and international audiences. Our primary operational area spans across the nation, ensuring that our reach and influence extend far beyond the borders of West Lothian. We make available an exceptional opportunity, including tickets and exclusive merchandise, to enhance the festival experience for our attendees.
To differentiate ourselves from the competition, we employ several unique marketing strategies. By leveraging local culture, we incorporate elements of Scottish heritage into our festival, creating a distinctive and memorable event. Strategic partnerships with local businesses, tourism boards, and cultural institutions further enhance our visibility and credibility, while also providing mutual benefits through cross-promotion. Additionally, we offer exclusive content such as special screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and behind-the-scenes access, fostering a sense of exclusivity and attracting a dedicated following.
Operationally, West Lothian Film Festival sets itself apart by showcasing a diverse range of Scottish films, highlighting local talent and culture. We collaborate closely with local businesses to create a community-focused festival atmosphere. Our dynamic programme includes a dedicated section for Gaelic-language films, promoting Scotland's linguistic heritage and facilitating cultural exchange with international films. From 2025, the festival has expanded to include categories for young people, the Home Nations, and the Celtic Nations, further broadening our scope and appeal.
Directors Story
The journey to founding the West Lothian Film Festival began during my time at West Lothian College, where I was studying for an HNC in Marketing Communications. It was there that I encountered a pivotal case study assessment, which required me to create a website and marketing plan for a fictitious film festival named Lodainn an Iar Film Festival. This project ignited a spark within me, revealing a passion for film festivals and the potential they hold to bring communities together through the magic of cinema.
As I progressed in my academic journey, I continued to nurture this newfound passion. I went on to study Film and Media as a direct entrant at Queen Margaret University. During these years, I dedicated myself to planning, strategising, and executing what would become the inaugural West Lothian Film Festival. The experience was both challenging and exhilarating, as I balanced my academic responsibilities with the meticulous planning required to bring the festival to life.
My final year at university was particularly significant, as it marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring that the West Lothian Film Festival would be a success. The festival was delivered as planned just weeks after my graduation, a testament to the meticulous preparation and unwavering commitment that had gone into its creation. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I am enthusiastic about the future of the West Lothian Film Festival and its potential to become a cornerstone of the local cultural landscape.
MISSION, VISION & VALUES
vision
Establish the West Lothian Film Festival as a prime platform for aspiring filmmakers locally and globally. Committed to nurturing diverse creative voices, fostering cultural exchange, and showcasing the unique stories of West Lothian, Gaelic speaking communities and aspiring global filmmakers, connect the people of West Lothian to creation they have never seen before.
MISSION
"Celebrating the magic of cinema, West Lothian Film Festival brings stories to life and communities together. We strive to be a beacon of creativity and connection, showcasing local and international films that inspire and engage."
Values
Work Hard and Be Kind
We believe in the power of diligence and compassion. By working hard and treating others with kindness, we create a supportive and inclusive environment for all involved in the festival.
Be Problem Solvers for Each Other
We embrace a collaborative spirit where everyone is encouraged to lend a helping hand and find creative solutions to challenges. Together, we overcome obstacles and support each other's growth.
Collaboration:
We recognise that true perfection may be unattainable, but by working together and taking calculated risks, we can achieve excellence. We encourage innovation and teamwork to continually improve and evolve.
Embrace Change
We are committed to being agents of change in our community. Our festival serves as a catalyst for progression, providing a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work and push boundaries in storytelling.
Empower Career Jumpstarts
Our ultimate goal is to be the genuine jumpstart for aspiring filmmakers' careers. We aim to provide opportunities and support that propel them to success, leaving a lasting impact on their journey in the film industry.
categories
2024
categories
2025
We have developed new categories for 2025 increasing the opportunities from 21 to 27 (possibly 37)
- ‘Matthew Farnham’ Award - (Best of Festival)
- Special International Award of Merit
- Best Gaelic Film & TV
- Best Feature Film
- Best Short Film
- Best Student Film
- Best Documentary
- Best Animation
- Best TV Series (Pilot/Concept/Web Series)
- Best Screenplay - Unproduced or Produced
- Best Voiceover
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Director
- Best First-Time Director
- Best Producer
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Soundtrack/Original Score
- Best Makeup & Hairstyling
- Best Costume Design
- ‘Matthew Farnham’ Award - (Best of Festival)
- Special International Award of Merit
- Best of Home Nations
- Best of Celtic Nations
- Best Gaelic Film & TV
- Best Feature Film
- Best Short Film
- Best Film (12 years and under)
- Best Film (13 years to 18 years)
- Best Film (19 years to 26 years)
- Best Student Film
- Best Documentary
- Best Animation
- Best TV Series (Pilot/Concept/Web Series)
- Best Screenplay - Unproduced or Produced
- Best Voiceover
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Most Authentic Background
- Best Director
- Best First-Time Director
- Best Producer
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Soundtrack/Original Score
- Best Makeup & Hairstyling
- Best Costume Design
What has changed
We are grateful to have kept all categories from 2024 and include a few new ones for 2025. It’s incredibly important to us to introduce youth focused categories with Best Film (12 years and under), Best Film (13 years to 18 years) and Best Film (19 years to 26 years). Many of our Judges have been Supporting Artists, many still are and even our Festival Director himself cut his teeth into this industry in front of the camera as an “SA”. The inclusion of Most Authentic Background is an opportunity for the unsung heroes of our favourite films and television shows. Also this category is a celebration of the Assistant Directors who place and direct all things background. We have also included Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. Long have the headline names been celebrated, however it is important to recognise the acting talent around them that elevate all performances.
We are also incredible happy to bring the Best of Home Nations and Best of Celtic Nations as this allows the festival to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage shared across these regions, fostering a sense of unity and community among diverse audiences. By including filmmakers and talent from all non-Scottish nations within the UK, as well as celebrating the distinct identities of the Celtic nations—Ireland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Galicia—the festival becomes a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and collaboration.
In the Home Nations category, the festival currently offers 1 award. However, this could be expanded to 5 awards: one for each Home Nation (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland) and an additional award for the best overall submission. This extension from 1 to 5 awards will be determined by the number of submissions received, with a minimum requirement of 4 submissions per Home Nation to qualify for individual awards.
Similarly, the Celtic Nations category, which currently offers 1 award, could be extended to 7 awards in total, with one award for each Celtic nation—Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Galicia—along with an additional "best of" award. This expansion will also depend on receiving a minimum of 4 submissions from each Celtic nation.
JUDGING PROCESS
Submissions are judged by a jury of industry professionals and film critics. They judge with fairness on the quality and authenticity of work from cinematography, directing, producing, costume and many more.
Judging Panel Formation
Evaluation Criteria
Film Viewing & Scoring
Deliberation and Scoring
Transparency
Selection of Winners
Feedback and Communication
Awards Ceremony
ELIGIBILITY
General
CATEGORY SPECIFIC
WEST LOTHIAN BASED
A film qualifies for the competition if the following are true:
Festival & Awards Night
18th, 19th and 20th of July - 3-Day Festival at Vue Livingston
Our festival provides a diverse cinematic experience for audiences and filmmakers alike, but also an opportunity to reflect on the future of our industry and our collective role within it.
In addition to live screenings, we offer:
20
Final Feature Film
Short Films
Festival Closer
10am to 3pm
Vue Cinema
Networking
Live Table Read
18
Feature Length Friday
10am to 10pm
Vue Cinema
x Feature Length Films
Networking
Filmmaker Q&A
19
Short Films
10am to 10pm
Vue Cinema
Networking
Workshop
20th of July - Black Tie Awards Ceremony at Vue Livingston
FilmFreeway is the world's number 1 way to discover, submit and get tickets to thousands of film festivals, screenplay contests, music contests and photography contests all over the world. And we are thrilled to be part of the platform as one of it’s newest film festival partners.
More than two million filmmakers, screenwriters and artists use FilmFreeway to submit to over 12,000 of the world’s best film festivals and contests (including 170+ Oscar and BAFTA qualifying festivals).
West Lothian Film Festival proudly accepts entries on FilmFreeway,
the world's #1 way to enter film festivals and creative contests.
2025 SPONSORS
The West Lothian Film Festival and Awards will not be possible without the support from businesses and community members. If you would like to help support the event, please contact us via email - hello@westlothianff.scot
Ways to support: PayPal Donate – Sponsor – Volunteer –
Donate: Aside from buying tickets to our events, you can contribute directly to the West Lothian Film Festival. Your generosity will help support the legacy and a tradition of the West Lothian Film Festival. We welcome and accept small and large donations.
Sponsor: Sponsorship partnerships are a vital part of our existence, enabling West Lothian Film Festival to support independent storytellers. Contributions from businesses can provide branding and exposure opportunities for businesses and products. Including but not limited to Product Placement, Branding, Gift Bags and Accommodation. West Lothian Film Festival will also be able to engage with a process to have broadcast options.
Volunteer: Come and volunteer at the film festival, checking people in, assisting guests and enjoy the festivities inbetween it all. Personal references will be written to support your next step in your career.
HEADLINE SPONSOR
£15,000
CATEGORY
SPONSOR
£250
EVENT
SPONSOR
£150 + IN-KIND SERVICE
Category
- ‘Matthew Farnham’ Award - (Best of Festival)
- Special International Award of Merit
- Best of Home Nations
- Best of Celtic Nations
- Best Gaelic Film & TV
- Best Feature Film
- Best Short Film
- Best Film (12 years and under)
- Best Film (13 years to 18 years)
- Best Film (19 years to 26 years)
- Best Student Film
- Best Documentary
- Best Animation
- Best TV Series (Pilot/Concept/Web Series)
- Best Screenplay - Unproduced or Produced
- Best Voiceover
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Most Authentic Background
- Best Director
- Best First-Time Director
- Best Producer
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Soundtrack/Original Score
- Best Makeup & Hairstyling
- Best Costume Design
Sponsor
Oak & Black
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
MERCHANDISE
We will have a limited amount of merchandise lines available. Orders can be made in advance and picked up the week before the festival. Bulk ordering will help us keep the prices down.
Pay-It-Forward
This Pay-It-Forward programme is a fundraising initiative to enable local groups experiencing disadvantage to attend the 2025 West Lothian Film Festival either for free or for extremely low prices such as £1. Similar programmes have provided opportunity for thousands across the entire country in the arts and culture sector and the West Lothian Film Festival want to do our part from day 1 and help those who will arguably not be attending in 2024 that they can in 2025.
Website designed and maintained by
Artos Digital
Artos Digital
2021/2022, 2022/2023 & 2023/2024 Winners