Cathedral film nominated for top award

The film projected on to the walls of St Magnus Cathedral to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

‘The Great War: an Orkney Memorial Experience’ explored the conflict through the lens of life in the islands at the time.

It has been nominated for a Royal Television Society Scotland Award in the Animation and VFX (visual effects) category.

The 20-minute film was shown each evening between November 1 and Remembrance Day on 11 November 2018, watched by an audience gathered on the pavement across the road from the Cathedral in Broad Street. Many described it as a unique and moving experience.

It was specially commissioned by the Kirkwall Townscape Heritage Initiative – a Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Environment Scotland funded project - for the centenary of the Armistice.

Glasgow-based animation specialists Playdead were engaged to create the film, with pupils from Glaitness Primary and Kirkwall Grammar Schools involved in the creation of the work.

Projected directly on to the red and yellow sandstone walls of the Cathedral, the film drew inspiration from events and stories associated with Orkney’s wartime heritage, and combined archive imagery with beautiful hand drawn illustrations.

Pam Nelson, from Playdead, said: “We are absolutely delighted that this very special film has been recognised by the Royal Television Society Scotland. We received such incredible support from the local community during its creation and we were overwhelmed by the hugely positive response when the film was projected onto St Magnus Cathedral.”

The RTS Scotland awards will be announced on Wednesday, 12 June.