Glasgow Film Festival wraps up with premiere, award winners and a fond farewell to longtime director

The Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) concluded its 2025 edition with the world premiere of the Scottish documentary Make It to Munich, marking the end of an era with Festival Director Allison Gardner bidding farewell after over three decades of service. The festival also celebrated the announcement of the Audience Award winner, Spilt Milk, directed by Irish filmmaker Brian Durnin.

Make It to Munich details the inspiring story of Aberdeenshire teenager Ethan Walker, who cycled from Hampden to Munich to attend Scotland’s opening match against Germany in Euro 2024, following a near-fatal car accident. The film, which will hit cinemas on 16^th May, features Walker and his mentor, Professor Gordon Mackay, as well as other key figures who supported his recovery and cycling challenge.

The festival’s prestigious Audience Award, sponsored by MUBI, was awarded to Spilt Milk, a drama set in 1980s Dublin that explores the life of an 11-year-old boy dreaming of becoming a detective amidst the harsh realities of his environment. Director Brian Durnin expressed his gratitude, stating, “We’re deeply honoured to accept this wonderful award and to know that our film connected with the audiences at Glasgow Film Festival. The city and festival will forever hold a place in our hearts.”

The GFF, now in its 21^st year, has grown under Gardner’s leadership from its modest beginnings to the second-largest film festival in the UK. Gardner reflected on her tenure, emphasising the joy and impact of her role: “Being part of Glasgow Film Festival has been the most fun, rewarding and brilliant time over the last 21 years. I will miss the rush of excitement when an audience takes a film to their hearts and no other festival in the world has better audiences.”

The festival also featured other notable films and guests, including Hollywood actors Jessica Lange and Ed Harris, and a surprise appearance by Toni Collette at a 30^th-anniversary screening of Muriel’s Wedding. James McAvoy was honoured with the Cinema City Honorary Award for his contributions to cinema. The event continues to attract significant attention, both for its cinematic offerings and for its role in the broader cultural landscape of Glasgow and the UK.

In addition to film screenings, GFF engages with the community through various outreach activities supported by organisations like Screen Scotland, the BFI Audience Projects Fund, Glasgow Life and EventScotland. These initiatives aim to make cinema accessible and enjoyable for a diverse audience, reinforcing the festival’s motto of Cinema For All.

As the curtain falls on this year’s festival, plans are already underway for the 22^nd edition of GFF, with dates and further details to be announced. The festival remains a cornerstone event, celebrating film and fostering a vibrant community of cinema lovers in Scotland and beyond.

The editorial unit
Images: Courtesy of Glasgow Film Festival

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