Short films created by Sean Connery Talent Lab to premiere at EIFF
The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) and the National Film and Television School (NFTS) collaborated over the course of a year on the project for the films, which will be screened for the first time in August.
Original James Bond star Sir Sean Connery, originally from Edinburgh, died in October 2020 aged 90.
We can't wait to present the World Premiere 🍿 of 6 short films at #EIFF25 created as part of the inaugural@NFTSFilmTV x #SeanConnery Talent Lab!
NFTS develops some of the world's top talent, with graduates going on to win huge awards, including 15 #Oscars and 165+ #BAFTAs 🏆 pic.twitter.com/beklm59GiO
— Edinburgh International Film Festival (@edfilmfest) June 18, 2025
His sons, Jason and Stephane, launched the Sean Connery Foundation to 'expand opportunities for talented young people from Scotland to access rewarding careers in the film industry'.
They said their father 'made it a priority to attend the Edinburgh Film Festival' and knew 'first-hand what it meant to work hard and struggle for opportunity'.
The films will be premiered between August 14 and 20.
Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, praised the initiative as having the potential for 'expanding the film-making community here in Scotland'.
The films to be premiered are Gowk, directed by Ryan Pollock, Nora Can't Score, directed by Josefa Celestin, Catriona Macleod's Lady Maclean, and Twenty Twenty, from director Alex Salam.
Also included are Static, directed by Miranda Stern, and Checkout, from director Mairead Hamilton.
Paul Ridd, chief executive and director of the EIFF, said: 'We are so impressed by the depth and range of films that have emerged from the exciting first year of this brilliant initiative, one which, like our own centrepiece Festival Prize, has been made possible by The Sean Connery Foundation and their generous support for meaningful film industry change.
'Under the expert tutelage of Chris Young and the many industry experts who have given up their time this past year to offer advice and mentorship, these filmmakers have emerged with bold, distinctive work that we are honoured to include in our programme and present to our audiences in August.
'The future of cinema is bright in the hands of this exciting new generation of Scottish and Scotland-based talent.'
Jon Wardle, NFTS director, said: 'The first cohort of the Sean Connery Talent Lab has exceeded all expectations, not only in the calibre of their work, but in the boldness and ambition of their film-making vision.
'What they've achieved in such a short space of time is genuinely remarkable. It proves what's possible when emerging talent is given the right support, mentorship and creative freedom.
'The selection of these six films for world premieres at EIFF is a powerful validation of the Talent Lab model.
'We are immensely grateful to the Sean Connery Foundation, BBC Film and all our Talent Lab partners.
'Their unwavering belief and commitment to nurturing the next generation of Scottish storytellers has been nothing short of transformative. This success simply wouldn't have been possible without them.'
Chris Young, head of the Sean Connery Talent Lab, said: 'I'm hugely proud of what our very first cohort of students have achieved this year.
'They've embraced every opportunity the programme has offered and their collaboration has been terrific.
'The high quality of these short films, reflected in their showcase selection for Edinburgh International Film Festival world premieres, demonstrates perfectly the profound importance of providing a platform for new voices in film, and the potential for expanding the filmmaking community here in Scotland.
'What an incredible beginning for the Talent Lab and for the future of Scottish storytelling on screen.'
Stephane and Jason Connery said: 'The premiere of these first short films from the Sean Connery Talent Lab marks a powerful continuation of our father's legacy—championing excellence, ambition, and opportunity in the arts.
'It's especially meaningful to see this work take shape in Edinburgh, the city of his birth and the place he loved most.
'We are deeply grateful to the Talent Lab's outstanding leadership and to our generous partners for supporting this new generation of cinematic talent.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
British rising star makes shock appearance among front runners for James Bond takeover amid ongoing speculation over who will be next 007
Speculation as to who will take over the role of James Bond from Daniel Craig in the next instalment of the franchise has been heating up in recent weeks. And now a British rising star has found himself among the front runners as one of the bookies' surprise favourites. The actor had a huge year in 2024 as he lead one of the most anticipated Disney live action films. Film-lovers have been patiently waiting to find out when the new 007 movie will be released since Craig finished his five film stint as the British spy with No Time To Die. And as this actor's popularity grows, it seems the bookmakers think he could be in line to be cast as the iconic spy. Amazon recently took over 'creative control' of the much-loved franchise and are said to be fast-tracking the new film, with Hollywood producers David Heyman and Amy Pascal hired to bring in the new era of Bond. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. British fan favourites Aaron-Taylor Johnson and Henry Cavill have been linked to the role, while The White Lotus actor Theo James emerged as the latest bookies' favourite last month. But Mufasa star Aaron Pierre, 31, has now found himself in the mix, with William Hill putting him at 8/1 - the same odds as Cavill. The bookmaker sees Taylor-Johnson the most likely to take over at odds of 11/8, while James sits at 7/2. Right behind Pierre and Cavill is Happy Valley actor James Norton, and chasing his tail is Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden. Earlier this month, betting companies released their odds for the next James Bond villain - with one unexpected household name topping the list. The favourite was then none other than Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy, 49, who sits at the top of OLBG's odds at 9/2. The Irish actor - best known for playing Thomas Shelby - had previously been touted for the part of Bond but played down speculation, telling Deadline: 'I think I'm a bit old for that.' Also in the running to play the Bond bad guy are American actor Paul Giamatti (11/2), The Boogeyman star David Dastmalchian (13/2), and unlikely contender Zendaya (7/1). The bookmaker sees Aaron Taylor-Johnson (left in August) the most likely to take over at odds of 11/8, while Theo James (right in January 2024) sits at 7/2 Despite 'usually playing the good guy' in her previous roles, the female actress told Elle in 2023 that she's ready to enter her villainous era. 'I would love to play a villain of sorts,' the 28-year-old said. 'Tap into the evil, supervillain vibes. Whatever that manifests in, I don't think necessarily in a superhero sense, I just mean in like an emotional sense. 'I feel like I usually play the good guy, so I'd like to play the bad guy.' Cillian Murphy remains the strong favourite for the role, with Betting Expert Jake Ashton backing the Irish star too. 'The villain role in the Bond movies is just as iconic as Bond himself,' he said. 'With Cillian Murphy at the height of his powers and trusted by major directors, he's a natural favourite.' No Time To Die saw Oscar winner Rami Malek star as its lead antagonist Lyutsifer Safin, a terrorist chief and scientist driven by a desire to dismantle the criminal group SPECTRE. Before him A-lister Christoph Waltz starred as the villain in Spectre and Javier Bardem played Raoul Silva in Skyfall, an antagonist described as 'up there with the great' Bond baddies. Amazon bosses are currently said to be considering locations in which to set the much-anticipated new film, which experts predicted is likely to be released at the end of next year or in 2027. Due to a filming ban being imposed in Central London next year, new locations are reportedly being considered - with Liverpool a frontrunner, according to The Sun. An insider told the publication: 'This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes. 'But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for film-makers. 'It has appeared in everything from The Batman to Captain America and Harry Potter movies, doubling up as international cities.' The source added that it doesn't necessarily mean the story will be set in Liverpool - though eagle-eyed Merseysiders will no doubt spot their city centre in the background.
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Brit rising star becomes unexpected new frontrunner to play James Bond as race to be new 007 heats up
Industry insiders and bookmakers are taking serious notice of the new contender RACE GEARS UP Brit rising star becomes unexpected new frontrunner to play James Bond as race to be new 007 heats up A BRITISH rising star has become an unexpected new frontrunner to play James Bond as the race to be the new 007 heats up. Speculation over who will replace Daniel Craig in the iconic role has been heating up, and fans all have their own theories. 5 A British rising star has become an unexpected new frontrunner to play James Bond as the race to be the new 007 heats up Credit: Alamy 5 Aaron Pierre is emerging as a front runner for the iconic Bond role Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 5 The star is best known for his performances in The Underground Railroad and Rebel Ridge Credit: YouTube British actor Aaron Pierre, 31, is now emerging as a frontrunner for the iconic role. And industry insiders and bookmakers are taking serious notice of the new contender. Following a leak by industry insider Daniel Ritchman, it has been revealed Aaron is in talks for the role reported GBNews. Aaron is best known for his performances in The Underground Railroad, Rebel Ridge, and Disney's upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King. And rising betting odds are putting the young actor firmly in the frame for the coveted spot. Bookmakers now have Aaron gaining ground, as his odds narrow to place him alongside all the familiar contenders. Currently, Theo James leads the pack with odds of 5/2 followed by Henry Cavill at 3/1 and Jack Lowden at 4/1. While, Aaron Taylor‑Johnson, a huge favourite, has fallen to 5/1. Aaron, 34, fuelled rumours he'd bagged the role after signing a deal with Omega - the brand of watch the 007 spy wears. Omega has been supplying timepieces to the iconic literary and movie character since the release of 1995 flick, Golden Eye. For Your Eyes Only, Official Trailer The Sun told last year how Aaron had been offered the job - with insiders saying at the time Eon Productions were keen to snap him up. Despite that, still at the top is fellow Brit hunk Theo who fans are convinced will lead the race to victory. Meanwhile, Peaky Blinders actor Cillian Murphy is a current favourite to be named as the next 007 baddie. It's also been confirmed that Bond will still be a British man despite being sold to 'woke' Hollywood streaming site Amazon. Timeline of James Bond actors Over the years there have been seven actors who have played 007. The first ever James Bond film was in 1962, and this is who has played the lead role over the years: Sean Connery - The late star was the first ever actor to play Bond, and reprised the role for seven movies. George Lazenby - The star only played Bond once, but was the youngest actor to ever play the spy. Roger Moore - The late movie star spent 12 years making seven films in the famous franchise. Timothy Dalton - The smooth actor took over from Roger Moore and appeared in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill. Pierce Brosnan - The handsome star played Bond for four movies from 1995 to 2002. Daniel Craig - The British star was the first blonde James Bond and the sixth actor to win the role in 2005. Before giving up ownership of the popular film franchise, 007's stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson insisted the spy would retain his nationality and gender. Barbara, who took over the Bond brand from company Eon Productions alongside Mr Wilson in 1995, made the arrangement before she agreed to sell the rights to Amazon in a £770million deal. Insiders have hit back at fears the streaming giant - owned by Jeff Bezos - will turn Bond 'woke'. An insider told the Mail on Sunday: 'Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth - and he has to be male.' 5 Aaron Taylor-Johnson is thought to already have agreed to the Bond role Credit: Getty
The Sun
16 hours ago
- The Sun
Brit rising star becomes unexpected new frontrunner to play James Bond as race to be new 007 heats up
A BRITISH rising star has become an unexpected new frontrunner to play James Bond as the race to be the new 007 heats up. Speculation over who will replace Daniel Craig in the iconic role has been heating up, and fans all have their own theories. 5 5 5 British actor Aaron Pierre, 31, is now emerging as a frontrunner for the iconic role. And industry insiders and bookmakers are taking serious notice of the new contender. Following a leak by industry insider Daniel Ritchman, it has been revealed Aaron is in talks for the role reported GBNews. Aaron is best known for his performances in The Underground Railroad, Rebel Ridge, and Disney's upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King. And rising betting odds are putting the young actor firmly in the frame for the coveted spot. Bookmakers now have Aaron gaining ground, as his odds narrow to place him alongside all the familiar contenders. Currently, Theo James leads the pack with odds of 5/2 followed by Henry Cavill at 3/1 and Jack Lowden at 4/1. While, Aaron Taylor‑Johnson, a huge favourite, has fallen to 5/1. Aaron, 34, fuelled rumours he'd bagged the role after signing a deal with Omega - the brand of watch the 007 spy wears. Omega has been supplying timepieces to the iconic literary and movie character since the release of 1995 flick, Golden Eye. The Sun told last year how Aaron had been offered the job - with insiders saying at the time Eon Productions were keen to snap him up. Despite that, still at the top is fellow Brit hunk Theo who fans are convinced will lead the race to victory. Meanwhile, Peaky Blinders actor Cillian Murphy is a current favourite to be named as the next 007 baddie. It's also been confirmed that Bond will still be a British man despite being sold to 'woke' Hollywood streaming site Amazon. Timeline of James Bond actors Over the years there have been seven actors who have played 007. The first ever James Bond film was in 1962, and this is who has played the lead role over the years: Sean Connery - The late star was the first ever actor to play Bond, and reprised the role for seven movies. George Lazenby - The star only played Bond once, but was the youngest actor to ever play the spy. Roger Moore - The late movie star spent 12 years making seven films in the famous franchise. Timothy Dalton - The smooth actor took over from Roger Moore and appeared in The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill. Pierce Brosnan - The handsome star played Bond for four movies from 1995 to 2002. Daniel Craig - The British star was the first blonde James Bond and the sixth actor to win the role in 2005. Before giving up ownership of the popular film franchise, 007's stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson insisted the spy would retain his nationality and gender. Barbara, who took over the Bond brand from company Eon Productions alongside Mr Wilson in 1995, made the arrangement before she agreed to sell the rights to Amazon in a £770million deal. Insiders have hit back at fears the streaming giant - owned by Jeff Bezos - will turn Bond 'woke'. An insider told the Mail on Sunday: 'Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth - and he has to be male.' 5
