The biannual programme launched in 2022 and aims to identify and promote the next generation of Scottish filmmakers and actors to the international industry.
Rising Stars Scotland is a joint initiative from Screen Scotland and Screen International, and is an offshoot of Screen’s UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow showcase.
It features 10 up-and-coming actors, writers, writer-directors and producers who are on the verge of their first major professional breakthrough.
Read more about each Rising Stars on the Screen International website:
- Julie Cullen (actress)
- Scott Ellis Watson (actor)
- Connor Newall (actor)
- Rachelle Atalla (writer)
- James Ley (writer/director)
- Shona Mackenzie (producer)
- Laura McBride (producer)
- Tom Nicoll (writer/director)
- Louis Paxton (writer/director)
- Miranda Stern (writer/director)
The Rising Stars were unveiled at an event last night (Sunday 16 August) at the Royal College of Physicians during the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Screen Scotland will also support the Rising Stars with personalised career development support.
The Rising Stars also met with On Falling director Laura Carreira (a former Scotland Rising Star in 2022), who shared advice on short films, building a script and having the confidence to make mistakes.
The selection was made by Screen’s contributing editor Wendy Mitchell, who said: “Competition was fierce for our third iteration of this biannual talent showcase – we considered more than 160 candidates for Rising Stars Scotland 2026. Every single applicant had a unique perspective – there is never just one typical creative journey in Scotland.
“As anyone who has ever been to Edinburgh in August has seen, there is a great openness to connections between art forms, with so many of Scotland’s creatives working across film, TV and theatre. What’s so exciting about the Scottish industry in 2026 is that it goes far beyond heritage stories with whisky distilleries and highland cows, there are so many vibrant angles being brought to life across a range of genres and attitudes.”
Isabel Davis, Executive Director at Screen Scotland, added: “2026 is proving to be an exceptionally fine vintage for Scottish talent. These stars are already showcasing their singular abilities through standout work in TV and film, often backed by Screen Scotland and our partners. We wish them the brightest of futures ahead.”
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Image credits: Rob McDougall