Bowl Short Film 2025

by Bowl Short Film 2025 in Edinburgh, , United Kingdom

Total raised £2,140

raised so far

56

supporters

Arthur, who after an arthritis diagnosis, seeks a second chance to return to his found community and beat his arch-nemesis Norma once more.

by Bowl Short Film 2025 in Edinburgh, , United Kingdom

We're still collecting donations

On the 3rd February 2025 we'd raised £2,025 with 55 supporters in 21 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.

Our Story: 

Arthur is an elderly, quick-witted, gay man who has recently been diagnosed with arthritis. Upon finding out that his old foe and competitor Norma is is playing in the upcoming lawn bowls charity match, Arthur seeks the chance to prove himself. He faces many challenges along the way as he bickers with Norma and comes to terms with his illness and the losses he has faced, but with a little help from Norma's granddaughter Jenn, he is able to confront his past and learn what is truly important to him.

Our Team:

'BOWL' is a new short film blending drama, comedy and LGBTQ+ themes with a heartfelt exploration of Bowling Clubs as vibrant social spaces. As part of our final project at university, in association with Edinburgh Napier University and Screen Academy Scotland, we have been working hard over the last few years on multiple different short films. This film represents the culmination of years of hard work, creativity, and experience across various short films and external projects. We all have a desire to push this and create something magical. A story which brings unique nuanced stories to screen, one that resonates with a wide audience on an emotional and cultural level. Our team is dedicated to creating a piece of work we can all have pride in. Bringing in sensitive elements of queer themes as well as a dynamic portrayal of what a bowling club can represent has been handled with great care. We can’t wait to show you this emotional journey, from the sharp wit and humour of our elderly protagonists to moments of quiet reflection and melancholy. BOWL is a project we are immensely proud of, and we cannot wait to share its magic with you.

Our Crew:

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Hi there! I’m John and I am the director of ‘BOWL’. I was so happy to be given the opportunity to direct for our Napier Graduation Film, I have always strived to tell exciting and important narratives that haven’t been given enough space to shine in the past, and that’s my intention with ‘BOWL’. Just recently, a film I previously directed won ‘Best Film’ and ‘Best Napier Film’ at the new Napier Student Film Festival. This was an incredible honour for me and has given me the courage and determination to continue to tell complex, exciting, unique stories. Our film tells a really important story based around a unique space so rarely seen in film, a bowling club. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported us so far and I look forward to sharing more with you all as we go through production!

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Hi, I’m Saoirse Gillespie and I'm the writer of Bowl! I'm from Newtongrange just outside of Edinburgh and am in my final year at ENU specialising in writing and sound design. When John approached me about his idea for this film, I had an instant affinity with it and was excited to see how I could put my own stamp on the story. In writing the script I have drawn inspiration from my own grandparents, and the bowling club environment that I have grown up around. I think this is a very important opportunity to share a positive queer story about an underrepresented demographic that isn't about tragedy, but the need for community. I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity, not only to tell this wonderful story but also to work with a team who are all committed to telling the best collective version of it. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far, I look forward to sharing more of our journey with you all in the coming months!

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Hi, I’m Scot (Francis) MacKenzie, I’m from the Highlands of Scotland and I'm the producer of Bowl! Stories are something I have always enjoyed playing with and have had a connection to. Having primarily written for the first couple years of university and produced in my final two, it has helped me understand what projects need. Bowl is particularly close to my heart, it’s a story of community, found family, and queer identity, themes that resonate deeply with me. What excites me most about this project is its potential to showcase a nuanced portrayal of an elderly gay character. The mix of heartfelt moments and sharp comedy, like the fierce competitiveness of our protagonists, creates a dynamic narrative that I believe will touch audiences in meaningful ways. Learning about the sport of lawn bowls and diving into queer history during this journey has been both educational and inspiring. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team that’s passionate about telling stories that matter, and I can’t wait to share this journey with all of you.

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Hi, I’m excited to announce that I’m taking on the role of Cinematographer for Bowl an upcoming Napier graduate film! This project tells such an important story and I can’t wait to get behind the camera and collaborate with our wonderful crew to bring it to life. Big thanks to everyone that has supported us far, and I’m so excited to reveal more in the coming months!

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Hi, I’m Jess, the production designer for Bowl. I’m passionate about creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant spaces, and I’m super excited to collaborate on this production with such a talented and hard-working crew! Initially, I was drawn to Bowl due to the unique and meaningful story and want to emphasise the themes within, such as queer identity and community, through realistic and true-to-life set design.

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Hi, my name’s Hazel and I’m an aspiring director and sound designer from Edinburgh. Currently in my final year studying BA Film at Edinburgh Napier University, I’m beyond excited to be sound designing the grad film, Bowl. As a filmmaker, I’m often drawn to stories about women, queer identities, and music. I especially enjoy working on highly stylised genre pieces such as musicals, comedies, and parodies. As a comedy/drama with queer themes, Bowl really ticked all the boxes for me, so I knew I needed to be involved! Our film balances two somewhat opposite themes of community and competition which I think is what makes it such a dynamic and compelling story. I’m looking forward to working closely with our talented writer, Saoirse, and director, John, to bring their ideas to life through a playful yet intimate soundscape. I can’t wait for you guys to see it!

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Hi I’m Léonidas - Léo for short, and I’ll be the editor for Bowl. I came to study film at ENU from France and I’m very excited to get started on this project. Exploring queerness in film is something that is not only very important to the team and I, but also crucial in our current times. More voices and stories about queer topics need to be heard and seen by all, especially those gravitating around themes of community. I want the edit to allow audiences to connect to Bowl’s story regardless of their background.  I'll be putting my skills to the test for this graduation film, so make sure to stay tuned for any updates on our work!! 

Funding:

To make this film happen, we need your support! funding can go towards sourcing components for our art department such as plenty of lawn bowl equipment, costumes and set dressing. This funding will breathe more reality into our film, making elements like the finale charity match in the film feel real and decorated appropriately. Your donation also means we can contribute funds to our location, with bowling greens on the decline due to financial restrictions. It is really important for us to give back to the community as a special thanks for being in that space! Extra funding will also ensure payment for our actors, nutritional catering on set and that our wellbeing can be maintained on our shoot days. 

This journey has been incredibly exciting so far, bringing all our prepared materials we have been working away on these coming months is exhilarating. your donation can make this a reality! 

Donating just a small sum goes a long way in our budget, from purchasing smaller aspects like batteries or being tucked away into our distribution fund to bring this film to wider audiences! Sharing our project with friends, family and colleagues is a huge help to us too.

Thank you for your continued support and we hope you help bring the magic of BOWL to life!

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Rewards

This project offered rewards

£10 or more

£10 - Shoutout

As a thanks for our donation we will do a shoutout on our social media channels for you!

£25 or more

£25 - Film Credit

For such a stellar donation, it’s only fair that you become part of the magic behind our film - with your name featured in the credits! - Includes all previous rewards.

£50 or more

£50 - A Chance to Win a Set of Lawn Bowls!

You will be entered into a prize draw with the chance to win your own set of lawn bowls! - Includes all previous donations

£100 or more

£100 - Your Very Own Poster!

You will receive your very own copy of our stunning film poster, perfect for showing off your star power and love for the magic we’re creating! - Includes all previous rewards.

£150 or more

£150 - Personalised Thank You

For such a generous contribution, you deserve a truly personal touch! You will receive a personalised video from the crew thanking you for your generosity. - Includes all previous rewards.

£200 or more

£200 Screening Invite & Executive Producer Credit!

The grand prize! We’re thrilled to invite you to our exclusive screening, where you’ll have the chance to meet the talented cast and crew behind Bowl! As a token of our gratitude for your extraordinary generosity, you’ll also receive an Executive Producer credit in the film - Includes all previous rewards.

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