Double delight for Scottish TV at Edinburgh International Film Festival 2003

Scottish TV has double cause for celebration today as two of it's talent schemes, 'New Found Films and This Scotland', for film and documentary makers, picked up top awards at this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival.

In the first instance, The Audience Award, given to the film which has had the most impact and gained the biggest number of votes from the public, went to Afterlife the New Found Film, from first time feature director Alison Peebles. Afterlife tells the heart-warming and moving story of a young journalist on the brink of a career breakthrough who is forced to re-assess his values in the light of a family crisis. The film, funded by, Scottish
TV, Grampian TV and Scottish Screen introduced to the screen young Down's Syndrome actress Paula Sage, acting alongside the established talent of Kevin McKidd and Shirley Henderson. Sir Sean Connery attended a screening of the film and was visibly moved by the story and the remarkable performances from the cast. Kevin and Paula each received the additional honour of being presented with a Herald Angel for their performances.

Secondly, She Toon ­ the Bingo City, a 'This Scotland' documentary, has won the prestigious Grierson Prize for Documentary at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
She Toon - the Bingo City looks at Dundee, considered the bingo capital of Scotland and the women play the game. Women in Dundee were traditionally regarded as the breadwinners due to the economic situation there and this brilliant short documentary reflects the part women have played in Dundee's development.
Directed by talented young director Craig Collinson for Nobles Gate the documentary triumphed over a strong field of contenders to win the coveted prize.

Executive producer for Scottish TV & Grampian TV, Henry Eagles commented.

"This is marvellous news for both the broadcasters and Scottish Screen. My fellow Executive producer from Scottish Screen, Becky Lloyd and I were most impressed with the quality of this film and we are delighted that its originality has been recognised by the Grierson jury. It proves that fine documentary making is alive and thriving in Scotland, the country of its originator John Grierson. We are absolutely delighted."

She Toon- The Bingo City, will be transmitted as part of the This Scotland documentary strand, on Scottish TV and Grampian TV in the autumn.

Sandy Ross Managing Director of Scottish TV said:

"Naturally we are delighted that both productions teams behind these ventures have seen their efforts rewarded. These awards are a vindication of the depth and breadth of production talent that resides here in Scotland, and given the right opportunity, which these schemes present, can flourish and produce world-class films and documentaries."