
Pilgrim Trust Award
The Pilgrim Trust Award 2025
Honouring Films About Scotland’s Heritage and Environment
The Pilgrim Trust Award, established by the Edinburgh Cine & Video Society (ECVS), celebrates films that capture the spirit of Scotland; its heritage, culture, and environment. First awarded in 1980, the competition honours the tradition of storytelling and conservation while embracing modern filmmaking techniques and styles.
Competition Theme
The 2025 Pilgrim Trust Award invites filmmakers to submit original films that explore:
1. Scotland’s Heritage: Stories of historical landmarks, traditions, or cultural legacies.
2. Environmental Conservation: Films addressing Scotland’s natural beauty, wildlife,
or sustainability efforts.
3. Contemporary Scottish Stories: Innovative takes on Scottish identity, people, or modern challenges linked to heritage or the environment.
Submissions can be in any genre; documentary, narrative, experimental, or animation - as long as the connection to Scotland is clear.
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Competition Guidelines
1. Eligibility
• Open to amateur and independent filmmakers worldwide.
• Films must prominently feature Scotland’s heritage, environment, or Scottish themes.
• Only non-commercial films are eligible.
2. Submission Requirements
• Film Length: Maximum of 15 minutes.
• Completion Date: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024.
• Format: Only MP4 or MOV files are accepted.
• Entry Fee: £10 per film (waived for ECVS members and SAM-affiliated clubs if submitted by September 1, 2025).
• Submission Deadline: All entries must be received by September 15, 2025.
3. Online Submission
• Upload films via www.wetransfer.com or a similar platform.
• Submit entries to pilgrimtrust@ecvs.co.uk
• Unlimited entries are allowed per individual.
• Entry forms are available here
• Each entry must include:
• A brief synopsis (100 words).
• A filmmaker bio (50 words).
4. Copyright Clearance
• Responsibility for copyright clearance lies solely with the entrant.
5. Judging Criteria
• Relevance to the theme.
• Creativity and originality.
• Cinematic quality (including sound and visuals).
• Emotional impact and storytelling.
Awards
• The Pilgrim Trust Silver Rose Bowl: Held for one year, with the winner’s name engraved.
• Miniature Quaich: A permanent keepsake engraved with the winner’s details.
• Special Mentions: Certificates awarded for outstanding entries in specific categories (e.g., Best Cinematography, Best Environmental Story).
Launch Event
A special screening and awards ceremony will take place on October 23–24, 2025, at the ECVS theatre. The event will feature:
• Screenings of shortlisted films.
• A panel discussion with filmmakers, judges, and heritage experts.
• Announcement of winners, including the “People’s Choice Award.”
JOIN US!
We are always open to new members joining ECVS.
If you are interested in film making, film appreciation, ECVS would love to hear from you.
Simply fill out the form and we will be in touch.