Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival is rolling out the red carpet for something brand new in 2025, a full on-site cinema experience that promises to add a whole new layer of magic to the Highlands’ most beloved festival.
The Picture Dome Festival will make its debut next summer, offering festivalgoers the chance to enjoy an eclectic film programme alongside the live music, food, art and family fun that make Belladrum so special.
Created in partnership with Film Hub Scotland and supported by EventScotland, the cinema space is being launched as part of the 2025 theme, Bella Goes to the Movies.
And it’s no token gesture, the programme is a thoughtfully curated mix of short films, family favourites, documentaries, Gaelic-language cinema and late-night cult classics.
Glasgow Short Film Festival, Scotland’s leading celebration of short-form storytelling, will bring a vibrant line-up of international shorts ranging from charming comedies to family-friendly treasures.
Audiences can expect to be transported from the Highlands to Estonia, France, Spain, the Czech Republic and beyond all in one sitting.
Dundee Contemporary Arts’ Discovery Film Festival adds a dose of joy for younger viewers, with their much-loved Shorts for Wee Ones and Shorts for Families, sure to delight children and parents alike.
Among the standout films is Out Loud, a powerful and personal documentary from Gaelic singer Kim Carnie, exploring her journey with identity and sexuality through encounters with LGBTQ+ voices around the globe.
There’s also Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands, written and partly narrated by Carla J. Easton.
The film shines a light on the women who shaped Scotland’s music scene, a tribute that’s both long overdue and utterly timely.
Another major highlight is Runrig: There Must Be A Place, an emotional rollercoaster tracing the band’s remarkable rise from humble beginnings to national treasures.
Festivalgoers can also enjoy a rich selection of Gaelic-language films, including Marram, shot in North Uist and Edinburgh and featuring a haunting score by Gaelic electronica duo WHYTE.
Scottish BAFTA winner Catriona Black contributes two animated shorts, Pìobairean Bhòrnais and Calum Noah, adding even more depth to the Gaelic strand.
As night falls, the Picture Dome transforms into a haven for film lovers, with screenings of Local Hero, Highlander, and a Saturday night mass singalong of Mamma Mia! sure to lift spirits after a day on the field.
Morning showings cater to families, with animated classics like Finding Nemo and Brave inviting little ones to start the day with wide eyes and full hearts.
For aspiring filmmakers, SkyUp Academy will be on-site in the Walled Garden, offering hands-on workshops throughout the weekend.
Even more exciting, festivalgoers will be able to see their own work on the big screen, with selected short films created at Belladrum premiering at a special Saturday showcase in the Picture Dome.
It’s another bold and beautiful step from a festival that has never stood still.
And in 2025, Belladrum is ready for its close-up.
