Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival is set to host a groundbreaking film festival experience as a brand new addition to the much-loved summer event.
Part of the music the 2025 music festival’s ‘Bella Goes to the Movies’ theme, organisers have teamed up with leading Scottish film organisations to create a film extravaganza.
The Picture Dome Festival, an on-site cinema and film festival experience, will offer attendees a different cultural dimension to enjoy alongside the great music and live entertainment the festival is renowned for.
DCA Discovery Cinema. Picture: Erika Stevenson.
Funded with support from EventScotland, the Picture Dome has been developed alongside Film Hub Scotland.
It will feature a carefully curated programme, showcasing a diverse mix of short films from across the world through a partnership with Glasgow Short Film Festival & Discovery Film Festival, family favourites, music documentaries, Gaelic language cinema and late-night feature-length classics.
Bella producer Dougie Brown said: “We are delighted to launch this exciting new addition to our already eclectic and packed programme at Belladrum Festival.
“The Picture Dome Festival will be an incredible new experience for festival goers, where they can lose themselves in the world of film from stunning animations to movie classics to family blockbusters and exciting new Scottish and Gaelic movies.”
Belladrum Day 1, 2024
Rebecca Edser, head of EventScotland, was thrilled to be able to support the festival through their national events funding programme
She said: “This brand new element of the festival is fantastic addition to their 21st birthday event and will help to reinforce Scotland’s reputation as a leading tourism and events destination.
“With a line-up already showcasing some of the best Scottish pop and traditional acts and much more, I’m sure visitors from the local Inverness community, the surrounding areas and beyond will have plenty to enjoy at this milestone celebration for Belladrum.”
Those who embrace the cinematic offerings will have a rich choice of subject.
The Test, one of the shortsCarp and Child family short.
Scotland’s leading celebration of short-form cinema, Glasgow Short Film Festival, will present a vibrant programme of curated shorts.
From comedies to family-friendly features, the international selection spans storytelling from Estonia, the Czech Republic, France, Spain and more, and offers a rare chance to experience creative filmmaking from around the globe, right in the heart of the Highlands.
Dundee Contemporary Arts’ Discovery Film Festival has also curated a heart-warming family programme, including their much-loved Shorts for Wee Ones and Shorts for Families, with a selection of colourful films perfect for Belladrum’s younger audiences.
Additional highlights include Out Loud, from Gaelic singer Kim Carnie who is no stranger to Belladrum as both a solo artist and member of Mànran.
The documentary follows Kim as she reflects on her own journey with identity and sexuality, meeting LGBTQ+ individuals and activists from around the world.
Kim said: “Belladrum draws in such a loving and fun audience – and it’s easily one of my favourite festivals.
Kim Carnie Out Loud poster.
“I was over the moon when they asked to show the film. I think the festival is a really nice fit for the film.”
Also showing will be Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands, written and narrated in part by musician Carla J. Easton, again, no stranger to Belladrum having last performed alongside The Vaselines in 2024.
This documentary shines a light on the overlooked women who shaped Scotland’s music scene across the decades, combining rare archive footage, personal stories, and powerful commentary.
It’s said to be a celebration of trailblazers past and a rallying cry for the next generation of female talent.
‘Runrig: There Must Be A Place’ will feature on Friday afternoon and tells the story of Runrig – a tale of ups and downs, twists and turns, tears of joy and heartbreak.
Packed with never-before-seen footage and photographs from the band’s private archives, it charts the unlikely rise of a ragtag band of friends who would go on to become Scotland’s Band: Runrig.
Baelladrum 2024
There’s a selection of Gaelic language movies across the weekend including new short film Marram, directed by Elspeth Turner and Robbie Jones, shot in Berneray, North Uist and in Edinburgh. It stars Dolina Maclennan, Daibhidh Walker and Ewan James Armstrong, featuring a transcendent score by Gaelic electronica duo, WHYTE.
Other Gaelic showings include 2 animated short-films by Scottish BAFTA winner Catriona Black, Pìobairean Bhòrnais and Calum Noah.
Gražina Ščučkaitė, spotlight co-ordinator for Film Hub Scotland, said: “It’s been a real joy to team up with Belladrum to bring a pop-up cinema into the festival mix.
“We’re working alongside brilliant partners like Glasgow Short Film Festival and Discovery Film Festival to shape a thoughtful, fun, and engaging programme.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to share the magic of cinema in a fresh setting and connect audiences through powerful, imaginative storytelling.”
What’s Up with the Sky still.
For those seeking cinematic escapism after dark, the Picture Dome promises plenty of late-night fun.
Visitors will enjoy screenings of beloved Scottish classics including Local Hero and cult favourite Highlander, following the festival’s main stage headliners.
Then, on Saturday evening there will be a mass singalong of Mamma Mia!
Early morning sessions will see a family focus including animated movie favourites Finding Nemo, and iconic Scottish Disney Princess, Merida, in Brave.
In a festival first and in keeping with the 2025 movies theme, SkyUp Academy will be based in the Walled Garden throughout the weekend and giving attendees the chance to learn hands-on filmmaking skills and techniques.
As part of the fun, a selection of short films created by festivalgoers across the weekend while visiting SkyUp will premiere in a special showcase at the Picture Dome on Saturday afternoon, bringing new voices and creative talents straight to the big screen.
Belladrum says the initiative further underlines their commitment to offering more than just music and enhancing the festival’s unique appeal as a multi-arts celebration.
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