Short films created by Sean Connery Talent Lab to premiere at EIFF
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.
A cinema
Six short films created as part of the Sean Connery Talent Lab will be premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
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.
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.
Article continues below
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."
Article continues below
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
Scottish Sun
28 minutes 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
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Theo James looks suave in a black suit as he attends Dolce & Gabbana runway show during Milan Fashion Week amid 'leading odds' to become the next James Bond
Theo James looked suave as he stepped out for the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show during the Milan Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 Fashion Week on Saturday. The actor, 40, who is rumoured to be in the running for the next James Bond, cut a dapper figure in a sleek black suit for the occasion. He paired the look with a black shirt and classic black loafers, finishing it off with a pair of striking tortoiseshell sunglasses. Theo looked relaxed and in high spirits as he posed for photos at the glamorous event in the heart of the Italian city. It comes after it was revealed that Theo James is currently the bookies' favourite to step into the iconic role of James Bond, with odds of 5/2. The Divergent star has surged ahead of other contenders, including Superman actor Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and James Norton. The actor, 40, who is rumoured to be in the running for the next James Bond, cut a dapper figure in a sleek black suit for the occasion. The legendary 007 character was first brought to life by Sean Connery in 1962's Dr. No and has since been portrayed by several leading men. Most recently, Daniel Craig fronted the franchise, starring in five Bond films from 2006 to 2021. Ever since No Time to Die marked Craig's final outing, speculation has been rife about who will take up the mantle next - and it seems Theo is firmly in the lead. The Brit has previously impressed while playing rogue, morally ambiguous characters somewhat similar to Bond in both The White Lotus and and Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen. But James has played down speculation linking him to the part, telling The Guardian last year that it 'probably wouldn't be me'. While she was planning the new Bond movie, Barbara Broccoli's favourite was thought to be The Divergent star Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 34. He momentarily moved down bookies' lists after Amazon's purchase of the franchise, but recently soared back up them after signing a deal with Omega, the official watch provider of Bond. He was also endorsed by former 007 PIerce Brosnan, 72, during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross show last month. It comes after it was revealed that Theo is currently the bookies' favourite to step into the iconic role of James Bond, with odds of 5/2 'I think he (Aaron) would make a very fine Bond,' Brosnan said. 'He was actually in one of the movies I made called The Greatest. This young man we cast as The Greatest. 'He was so impressive then. He just had this charisma, he had this presence... he would be so good. But there's many men on the list, I'm sure.' As The Daily Mail reported, the plan is for the new Bond to be a 'straight up' reboot. There is reportedly set to be no explanation of how the special agent is still alive, no multiverse of Bonds and no attempt to go back to the 1960s for a vintage Bond. 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.
Metro
8 hours ago
- Metro
New contender to play James Bond is 31-year-old British rising star
An unexpected name has entered the race to become the next James Bond. Since Daniel Craig wrapped up as 007 in 2021 with No Time to Die, there has been wild speculation for three years, with many fans convinced they know which actor is going to take up the spy's licence to kill. This speculation has only intensified following a historic deal in which creative control of the franchise was handed to Amazon after Amazon Studios purchased MGM+ for $8.45billion (£6.7billion). Aaron Pierre, the 31-year-old British actor whose been gaining a huge following in recent months, is now emerging as a frontrunner for the iconic role, with industry insiders and bookmakers taking serious notice. Best known for his performances in The Underground Railroad, Rebel Ridge, and Disney's upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King, the actor's buzz is leading some to wonder if he's 007 material. The revelation comes from a leak by entertainment insider Daniel Ritchman, according to GBNews, sparking a wave of interest from Bond fans. For years, the Bond rumour mill has revolved around familiar names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, and Jack Lowden. But a sharp shift in betting odds suggests the tide is turning. Pierre's odds have narrowed significantly, positioning him alongside the top-tier contenders. Currently, Theo James leads the pack with odds of 5/2 (a 28.6% implied chance), followed by Cavill at 3/1 and Lowden at 4/1. Taylor-Johnson, once a hot favourite, has slipped back to 5/1, even thoguh some think he may have already accepted the role, as he's insisted he 'can't talk about' his next film project. The 35-year-old actor has long been heavily rumoured to be the next James Bond, from as far back as 2022 – although reports of his official casting were promptly rubbished in March 2024. He gave a very coy response when asked about what he'll be doing after working on 28 Years Later and its sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, back-to-back. More Trending Questioned by Deadline at the horror movie's premiere on Wednesday night he said: 'I can't talk about it.' Meanwhile, more far-fetched candidates such as Stephen Graham and Harry Styles remain on the books at longshot odds of 66/1. The buzz suggests that producers may be looking toward a younger actor with franchise longevity. At 31, Pierre strikes that balance. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Aaron Taylor-Johnson remains tight-lipped about Bond but there are other 007 candidates MORE: What will the new head of MI6 actually do? MORE: A-list heartthrob new favourite to play next Bond villain
