A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has been included in the line-up of Screen Scotland’s Rising Stars talent spotlight, aiming to identify and promote the next generation of Scottish filmmakers and actors to the international industry.

Writer-director Simone Smith, who graduated with a BA in Computer Animation and Digital Art, features in the ten up-and-coming actors, writers, writer-directors and producers who are on the verge of their first major professional breakthrough.

Screen International’s Rising Stars, in association with Screen Scotland, were unveiled at an event on Sunday 18 August at The Port of Leith Distillery during the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Simone commented: “Thank you Screen International for selecting me as a Rising Star!!! And what an honour it is to be among these beautiful talents. Thank you to everyone who has supported and believed in me over the years! Very excited about what’s ahead!”

Simone is a BAFTA New Talent award-winning filmmaker who grew up in the east end of Glasgow, working in various jobs from trader at The Barras to casino croupier, before eventually following her curiosity for art and film.

Following graduation from the University of Paisley (now UWS), Simone established herself in Glasgow’s club scene as a VJ, projecting live visual art around Scotland’s top clubs and music festivals, including The Arches and T-in-the-Park, VJ’ing alongside legendary DJs such as Andrew Weatherall. She simultaneously worked up the ladder from Runner to self-shooting Director at BBC Scotland, where she refined her craft in production.

Her short film SLAP was BAFTA-nominated and won Jury Special Mention at Glasgow Short Film Festival in 2019 where “the Jury was struck by the work of this director who is pursuing her own sensory style in design and narration.”

Simone’s latest short film, THE MöBIUS TRIP, premiered at the Glasgow Short Film Festival in spring 2024 before screening at over 50 festivals worldwide winning 13 awards. International recognition for THE MöBIUS TRIP  includes Best Film at Torino Underground, Best Midnight Movie at Final Girls Berlin, the Grand Jury Award at Chicago Underground Film Festival, and the prestigious BIFA-longlist for Best British Short Film.

Simone has two feature films in development with BFI Network, “It’s Too Late You Can’t Save Me” and “Until She Bleeds”.

Screen Scotland has committed to help the Rising Stars by offering advice and professional development over the following 12 months. Support will focus on connecting talent to relevant industry figures and key decision-makers, to elevate the Stars’ international profile and progress career objectives.

Isabel Davis, executive director at Screen Scotland, added: “We’re delighted to support Rising Stars and to celebrate the deep pool of talent here in Scotland. Edinburgh in August is the place to be for talent discovery and creative connections. Congratulations to all the Rising Stars and we look forward to supporting them on their journeys to ever greater things.”

Find out more about Simone at her website: https://www.simonesmith.org