MG ALBA have announced yesterday (Tuesday 26th Jan 2010) that Joe Thomas of the Inbetweeners will be guest presenter at this year’s FilmG award ceremony taking place on 5 February 2010 at Eden Court, Inverness.

After receiving an outstanding number of entries in this year’s competition, judges have now announced the shortlist of finalists in each category. All shortlisted finalists can be viewed online at www.filmg.co.uk.

Online viewers have been voting for their favourite film and the highest scoring will be presented with the prestigious People’s Choice award.

FilmG, MG ALBA’s annual Gaelic online media shorts competition has, for the second year running, attracted an excellent calibre of entries from all over Scotland and further afield including USA and Canada. With a range of creative ideas from chilling ghost stories to animations, action and adventure, the high quality productions and impressive on-screen talent made judging each category an extremely difficult task.

Joe Thomas stars as Simon Cooper in the BAFTA nominated British sitcom The Inbetweeners, about a group of teenage friends struggling through sixth form at school. Joe will present the Best Drama / Comedy award which sees the following entries shortlisted in the final:

* An Leabhar Gheasan (The Book of Incantations) produced, written and directed by Gavin Macleod Humphreys (Ravoch) and starring Ruaraidh Graham from Skye, both studying Gaelic at Sabhal Mor Ostaig. The film follows Iain after an evening out drinking and chatting with his friend as he returns to his family home - but who knows what awaits him there on a dark and stormy night! View the film at www.filmg.co.uk/en/viewfilm09.php?id=138
* An latha a fhuair Gaidhlig greim air an t-saoghal (The day Gaelic took over the world) produced, written and directed by Liz Piper a former student of Gaelic at Sabhal Mor Ostaig and now studying Gaelic and drama at Glasgow University. The film features a girl who is happy with her life but for one thing. What would happen if all of her wishes came true? Liz’s film is also up for four other awards on the night. View the film at www.filmg.co.uk/en/viewfilm09.php?id=144
* Cnap-starra Cànain (The language barrier) produced, written and directed by Ewan Smith who is based in Dundee. The film follows a man walking his dog when he’s asked for directions by a most unusual visitor! View the film at www.filmg.co.uk/en/viewfilm09.php?id=153
* Sealgair (Hunter) produced, written and directed by Cailean Collier originally from South Uist but now based in Glasgow, who was a winner of BBC ALBA’s stand-up comedy talent show ‘Comadaidh Oir’ in 2008. The film stars Kevin Walker and Anne Mhoireasdan based in Glasgow. The internet has opened up so many opportunities for the criminal mind to exploit. The film features Domhnall and Sarah who have met through a dating site but how do they know they can trust each other and can they take the next step? View the film at www.filmg.co.uk/en/viewfilm09.php?id=145

This year’s theme was ‘Gaisgeach’ which translated to Hero, Warrior or Champion and prizes will be awarded within three film genres: Drama/Comedy, Factual and Entertainment in both the Adult and Young People’s categories.

Donald Campbell, Chief Executive of MG ALBA, said: “I have been extremely impressed with the level of creative talent and entries in this year’s FilmG competition. The competition was open to all over the age of 12 to make three to five minute short films in Gaelic, with non Gaelic speakers and learners particularly encouraged to get involved and have fun with the language. Our priority is to help develop creative talent and the final shortlisted entries offer a selection of imaginative interpretations of the theme ‘Gaisgeach’. I would like to thank everyone who participated this year and wish all the finalists the very best of luck.”

The FilmG Awards ceremony taking place at Eden Court, Inverness on Friday 5 February 2010 will be presented by BBC ALBA presenters Fiona Mackenzie and Calum Macaulay with guest presenter Joe Thomas. A night of celebrations will be on offer including screenings of the winning films and live entertainment from BBC ALBA Rapal winners, Niteworks along with special guests.