Festival dossier

West Lothian Film Festival

Edinburgh, United Kingdom · Est. 2021 · Established legitimate festival with meaningful track record

Tier BTrusted
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
63
Legitimacy Score

Should I submit?

Solid signals — do normal diligence

Tier B looks established enough for many filmmakers. Check fees, programming fit, and recent editions before submitting.

  • No physical screenings
  • 5 years of verifiable history
  • 2 verified pro signals

Overview

West Lothian Film Festival takes place in venues across the county and may take special screening events outside West Lothian for extended exposure for programmed submissions. We showcase films from Scotland and beyond and host special screening events (SSE's), masterclasses and talks by Film & TV professionals. Our aim is bring local and national films to West Lothian and those connected to West Lothian. We celebrates independent film from all over our mission is to provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with audiences in Scotland. West Lothian has been used as a location in numerous film and TV shows including Hamlet, Silent Scream, Shallow Grave, Trainspotting and Trainspotting 2, The Acid House, Orphans, The Little Vampire, The Last Great Wilderness, Young Adam, The Jacket, Filth, Sunshine on Leith, Shetland, Under the Skin, Outlander, Belgravia, Outlaw King, Mary Queen of Scots, Anansi Boys, Lockerbie, The Princess Switch: Switched Again and The Princess Switch 3, Bade Miyab Chote, The Buccaneers, The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford, Damaged, Good Omens 2 and 3, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, West Lothian also is the home county for many well know people in the film and television industry: Actors - David Tennant: Born in Bathgate, he is iconic for his roles in Doctor Who, Broadchurch, and Good Omens. - Isla Fisher: Lived in Bathgate from a young age until she was six years old before moving to Australia. - Frankie Corio: Born in Livingston, she earned international acclaim for her lead role in the Academy Award-nominated film Aftersun (2022). - Michael E. Rodgers: Born in Whitburn, he has appeared in The Triangle, Thomas and the Magic Railroad, and The Dentist. - Andrew Fairlie: Born in Broxburn, he is a well-known actor from the sitcom Rab C. Nesbitt. - Dom Fraser: Born in Livingston, he is cast in the upcoming prequel series Outlander: Blood of My Blood. - Susan Boyle: Born in Blackburn, she is primarily a singer but has appeared in films like The Christmas Candle and Zoolander 2. - Kerry McGregor: Born in Pumpherston, she was an actress and singer known for Grange Hill and The Book Group. - Jean Bruce: Born in Uphall, she appeared in classic series like Killer, Z Cars, and Sutherland's Law. - Laidlaw Dalling: Born in Bathgate, he was a guest actor in the original 1960s series of Doctor Who. - Leon Jackson: Born in Whitburn, he is an actor and singer known for Live from Studio Five. - Kim Calera: A fashion model and actress who has worked in Bollywood films and TV. - Missy Malone: Born in Livingston, she is a burlesque performer and actress. Directors, Writers & Production Talent - Michael Caton-Jones: Born in Broxburn, he is a high-profile Hollywood director whose credits include Rob Roy, The Jackal, and Memphis Belle. - Stephen Greenhorn: A West Lothian-born writer and producer known for Sunshine on Leith and Doctor Who. - S. Michaela McCool: Born in Livingston, she is a visual effects professional who worked on Deadpool & Wolverine. - James Keast: Born in Armadale, he was a costume designer for projects like The House of Eliott. - Douglas Rankin: Born in Linlithgow, he was a producer and director known for the classic film Zulu. - Andy Mooney: Born in Whitburn, he is a writer and composer known for Disney's Tinker Bell series. If you have any questions, please email the team at hello@westlothianff.scot

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Legitimacy Analysis

Positive Indicators (+28 pts)

  • 5 years of verifiable history
  • 2 verified pro signals
  • Verified trusted status
  • Legitimacy signals outweigh concerns (3 vs 1)

Red Flags (-15 pts)

  • No physical screenings

Trust Signals

Positive Signals

  • FilmFreeway Gold festival
  • Has FilmFreeway community ratings

Festival Details

Founded

2021

Visit Festival Website

FilmFreeway communityGold festival

Avg. rating

4.0/ 5

Reviews

31

Synced 4 days ago

  • Filmmaker

    Honored that my film received an Honorable Mention at the 2025 West Lothian Film Festival! Even from afar, I had an amazing experience and I’m so grateful my work was recognized among so many talented filmmakers. Looking forward to being part of this festival again in the future!

  • Filmmaker

    Wonderful Festival...thanks for everything You're the best

  • Filmmaker

    Sevenskies Distribution

  • Filmmaker

    We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have “The Red Market” (@theredmarketfilm) featured at your event. The entire team, from Brian Cutler Actors Studio to the dedicated students and alumni from Dodge College at Chapman University, appreciates your support and recognition. Being seen and celebrated by your audience is an honor we hold dearly.

  • Filmmaker

    Christopher Matthew Spencer

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At a glance

Legitimacy Score63/100
TierTier B
Reviews0
Community Reports0
FilmFreeway4.0★ · 31

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