Hogmanay: Debut Short Film by Glasgow Mum Secures TV Broadcast
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- December 23, 2025
A debut and award-winning short film written and produced by a Glasgow mum will air on STV just minutes after the bells on New Year’s Day – a rare primetime slot for a first-time filmmaker and an extraordinary milestone for an entirely self-funded Scottish production. Actor Martin Compston described Hogmanay as “gorgeous”, adding that it left him misty-eyed, while Elaine C. Smith praised it as “moving and uplifting” and highlighted the all-female writing and directing team.
The 15-minute drama, written and exec-produced by Laura Harvey, will broadcast at 00:05 on 1 January, immediately following Scotland’s New Year celebrations. Hogmanay stars BAFTA award winners Peter Mullan and Siobhan Redmond alongside Laura Harvey and Dundee Rep legend, Ann Louise Ross. The film also introduces talented 9-year-old Alba Flanagan, and was directed by the award-winning Director, Kirsty Hines-Mackay.
The broadcast comes after a standout festival run and significant industry backing for the project, which was made during a year when no public funding for short films was available in Scotland.
Laura Harvey, who took a break from acting to raise her children, wrote the script and pushed the project forward independently, raising the full budget with a small, dedicated team. “There was no safety net,” Laura said. “We built this from nothing. The fact it’s now going out on TV just after the bells still doesn’t feel real.”
Despite being a first-time Screenwriter, Harvey approached her “dream cast” directly. All the chosen actors agreed to take part, shooting in freezing winter conditions for a short film with no studio backing. “I honestly thought it was a long shot,” she said. “But everyone read the script and it was a resounding, yes. That changed everything.”
The film follows a Glasgow woman who returns to her late father’s flat on Hogmanay, where memories, grief and family traditions collide as the New Year approaches. It draws on recognisable Scottish rituals and the emotional weight many families carry into the first hours of January.
Hogmanay combined an experienced professional crew with structured mentoring opportunities for those trying to break into the industry. Trainees shadowed senior crew members on set, gaining hands-on experience in a sector widely regarded as difficult to access. The production was supported by charities SFAD (Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs) and North West Recovery Communities, alongside the Sir Reo Stakis Charitable Foundation, local businesses and individual donors.
The highly anticipated film has had unexpected public backing after Harvey thanked Amy Macdonald on Instagram for allowing the use of her music, and Macdonald responded publicly – sending hundreds of her followers to the film overnight. “We had to add an extra section to our website just to thank everyone,” Harvey said. “This film belongs to every single one of our incredible supporters.”
Hogmanay will air on STV at 00:05 on 1 January, repeat at 01:05 on STV+1, and be available on STV Player across the UK at those times only.
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