The 2025 Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) concluded its 21st edition with a bang, presenting the coveted Audience Award, sponsored by Mubi, to Spilt Milk, a gripping drama from director Brian Durnin. The festival, renowned for attracting top-tier talent, saw Hollywood heavyweights such as James McAvoy, Toni Collette, Tim Roth, Jessica Lange, and Ed Harris gracing the Scottish city.
Among the notable international figures attending were Japanese musician and actress Koki, and Shogun star Takehiro Hira, both of whom appeared at the world premiere of Tornado, a Scottish survival thriller. Formula 1 World Champion Damon Hill was also in attendance for the world premiere of Hill, a documentary focused on the racing legend. Collette, in a surprise appearance, attended a special 30th anniversary screening of her breakthrough film, Muriel’s Wedding.
This year’s festival also shone a spotlight on Austrian cinema, featuring a range of thought-provoking films, including satirical takes on rent-a-friend agencies, examinations of generational poverty, and a mockumentary about the climate crisis. The festival concluded with the world premiere of Make It to Munich, a documentary by Scottish filmmaker Martyn Robertson. The film follows the remarkable story of Ethan Walker, a promising teenage footballer who, after a life-threatening accident, embarks on a journey to cycle from Hampden to Munich for the Euro 2024 opening match between Scotland and Germany, just nine months after his injuries.
The Audience Award winner, Spilt Milk, is set in 1980s Dublin and tells the story of 11-year-old Bobby (Cillian Sullivan), who dreams of becoming a detective like his TV hero, Kojak. When Bobby’s brother Oisin (Lewis Brophy) goes missing, Bobby and his friend Nell (Naoise Kelly) embark on a dangerous investigation that leads them into the dark underbelly of their housing estate. The film tackles themes of addiction through the lens of a child’s innocence and naivety.
The festival’s runner-up was Two to One, a German comedy directed by Natja Brunckhorst, starring Sandra Hüller.
The 2025 edition of the GFF marked the final festival for Allison Gardner, Glasgow Film CEO and festival director, who is set to depart after a remarkable 21-year tenure. Reflecting on her time at the helm, Gardner shared, “Being part of Glasgow Film Festival has been the most fun, rewarding and brilliant time over the last 21 years. From co-directing alongside the wonderful Allan Hunter to going solo in the last couple of years, I have had the most fabulous support and friendship from the exceptional teams in our organization. I have met some wonderful filmmakers and guests over the years and witnessed audiences fall in love with films that have changed their lives for the better.”
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