IFFG 2026 Education Programme
Our education programme is a unique offering in the city, providing young audiences (under 16) with screen education opportunities such as workshops, masterclasses, enhanced screenings and interactive events. We work on a regulator basis with over 20 schools across Glasgow, and continuously expand this network to engage more pupils, particularly those living in deprived areas or who are unable to access cultural events linked to media and festivals in their immediate community and everyday life.
Workshops and screenings
The 2026 edition include a directing masterclass with acclaimed Greek director Christos Nikou (Apples, Fingernails); an acting workshop with talent coach Giles Foreman, who has worked on large scale Netflix and BBC productions; an animation workshop with Jonathan Charles; and enhanced education short and feature film screenings, including nominated titles for Young European Audience Award, where young people have the opportunity to vote for their favourite film, with winner announced at the European Film Awards in Athens on the 16th January 2027.
Our partners
We work with partner organisations on local (Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council), national (Into Film, Oska Bright) and global level (European Film Academy, Stage 32) to deliver events that offer both a window into different or unexplored cultures, and prospects for career path development, and cross-community participation and interaction. We also support industry opportunities for young people and local talent to network and communicate with fellow professionals in and out of Scotland.
Access to film education
Our education programme gives priority to students and young people from areas with limited or no access to culture, and to those who grow up in disadvantaged communities or outside of traditional family settings. Schools we work with include Castlemilk High; Govan, St Anne’s, Royston, and Hillhead Primaries, Rosshall Academy, Govan Gaelic, and the Glasgow Virtual School among others, with over 60% of students declaring they have never attended a festival before and over 50% are not able to go to the cinema, or have never been to a theatre before.