Students from Ayrshire College took centre stage at the ninth annual Ayrshire College Film Festival, hosted at the iconic Ayr Astoria on Friday 22 May 2026. 

 

The festival showcased an impressive range of creativity, storytelling and technical skill from the College’s NQ Film and Broadcasting students, alongside submissions from partner institutions, highlighting the strength of creative talent being developed across the region. 

 

From powerful dramas to imaginative thrillers, the event celebrated the originality and ambition of emerging filmmakers. Students presented their work on the big screen, gained valuable industry-facing experience and connected with fellow creatives, guests and professionals from across the creative sector. 

 

Ayrshire College would like to extend its sincere thanks to the festival judging panel, actress Nicolette McKeown, Student Association Advisor Linda Corbett, and lecturer Neil McKinnon, for their valued support, industry expertise and contribution in selecting this year’s award winners. 

 

Award Winners 

  • Best Level 5 Film – The Lunch Time Game  

  • Best Level 6 Film – In the Watches of the Night  

  • Best HNC Film – The King in Yellow  

  • Best External Film – Cover Up  

  • Audience Choice Award – In the Watches of the Night  

 

 

The Ayrshire College Film Festival continues to grow as an important platform for young filmmakers, supporting skills development in Scotland’s creative industries and giving students the opportunity to showcase their work to a wider public audience. 

 

The festival also reflects Ayrshire College’s role in supporting skills development for Scotland’s creative industries. Through industry‑aligned programmes in film, broadcasting and digital media, the College equips students with practical, job‑ready skills in storytelling, production, collaboration and problem solving.
Events such as the Film Festival give students vital exposure to professional practice, helping them build confidence, portfolios and sector connections that support progression into employment, further study and freelance creative careers.
 
 John Rae, Film and Television Lecturer at Ayrshire College, said:
We are incredibly proud of all the students who took part in our Film Festival this year. This films showcased an impressive range of creativity, originality and storytelling of our emerging filmmakers. Events like this give aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to share their stories with a live audience, gain valuable industry experience, and celebrate the collaborative spirit of filmmaking.

Actress Nicolette McKeown and guest judge commented:

I was honoured to be asked along and judge this year's selections. It was a wonderfully organised, delightful celebration of local talent, the theatre was filled with enthusiasm and creative promise. It was a fantastic turn out and a vast array of talent on display, it was competitive and quite difficult to choose winners to be honest, everyone that was nominated should be incredibly proud. It’s accessible events like this that helps nurture students’ ambitions and also gives the public an opportunity to join in and maybe even be inspired to start studying themselves or delve into the arts.