BBC ALBA and MG ALBA, in partnership with BBC Film and Screen Scotland, have announced a new Gaelic-language feature film development opportunity, designed to help bring compelling Gaelic stories and voices to the big screen.
The initiative seeks to build on the international success of acclaimed minority-language films such as Arracht, An Cailín Ciúin and Kneecap, while drawing inspiration from Scottish-produced films including The Outrun, Aftersun and this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival opening film The Incomer.
Gaelic storytellers with experience in screenwriting, theatre, literature or other narrative forms, are invited to submit feature film ideas which celebrate the richness, creativity and dramatic power of Gaelic language and culture. Ideas should be conceived as predominantly Gaelic-language productions, reflecting an authentic Gaelic voice and perspective.
Up to two selected projects will receive early-stage development funding, including support towards a first draft screenplay and revisions. Successful applicants will also benefit from creative guidance from development executives at BBC Film, Screen Scotland, BBC ALBA and MG ALBA, alongside industry expertise designed to help projects progress towards production.
The deadline for submissions is Monday 19 October 2026. Learn more on the BBC Scotland website.
Commenting on the announcement, Margaret Mary Murray, Head of Gaelic Services at BBC Scotland said: “The BBC / MG ALBA partnership is always looking for creative and innovative ways to evolve our offer to audiences. It’s great to have this new development take shape and I’m excited to see where this opportunity takes us.”
Margaret Cameron, Director of Content, MG ALBA added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with BBC Film and Screen Scotland on this opportunity for Gaelic writers to develop feature film projects. It’s been a long-held ambition to move into this area, to create projects that can exist in cinematic and festival spaces as well as television and to contribute to the incredible growth of screen activity in Scotland.”
Kieran Hannigan, Head of Scripted at Screen Scotland said: “This is an incredibly exciting development for Gaelic features and represents the real desire of all involved to see long-form Gaelic content reach an international audience. Having recently partnered with BBC ALBA on An t-Eilean, an upcoming web series and several short films, we are excited by the breadth of talent in this country and partnering with BBC Film adds a crucial element, enabling projects to take that next vital step-up.”
Kristin Irving, Senior Commissioning Executive at BBC Film says: “Writing in their native language allows a writer to speak in their true voice, whilst giving audiences access to cultural authenticity and fresh perspectives. We are excited to support Gaelic storytellers with this development initiative alongside our partners at MG ALBA and Screen Scotland.”