THE first showing of a new documentary film about an independent Scotland’s place in Europe will take place the Leith Theatre in Edinburgh tomorrow night.
Created by Phantom Power, the filmmakers behind National columnist Lesley Riddoch’s trilogy of Nation films, Future Scotland – Scotland’s Place in Europe sets out to portray a possible future for this country within the EU.
It is written and narrated by Ewan Hunter who will be one of the speakers at the premiere. He will be joined by along with Kirsty Hughes, the director Scottish Centre on European Relations and a writer and commentator on international and European politics who has often written for The National.
Joining them will be the “Portuguese turned Scot”, as he describes himself, the writer and painter WG Saraband. Hunter introduces the film, saying: “As Scots, European citizenship is an important part of our identity. Our ability to travel, work and live freely in 27 other countries is something we treasure deeply.
“Scotland voted 62% to Remain a member of the EU, with latest polling showing that view has risen to around 70%. Scotland is a pro-European nation in an anti-European UK. Of course, with Brexit, all of this is now in danger and Scotland’s ancient links with Europe are under threat.
“A Brexit Scotland didn’t want, brought by a Tory UK Government Scotland didn’t vote for and which now threatens Scotland’s economy and standing in the world.
Hunter asks the question: “As support for independence rises, what could an independent Scotland in the EU look like?”
Kirsty Hughes recently produced a policy paper with the title Independence, Scotland and EU Accession: Challenges Ahead, which said “the still unanswered question of whether, and in what form, the UK will leave the EU means there is also a range of scenarios for an independent Scotland’s potential accession to the EU.
“This policy paper considers whether and how an independent Scotland could join the European Union and the challenges it may face in doing so.”
The film, which can be viewed at www.scer.scot, is already catching the attention of the Yes movement and it has not even been shown yet. Phantom Power has been inundated with request for screenings elsewhere in Scotland
The show starts at 7pm in the Leith Theatre at 28-30 Ferry Road, Edinburgh. Tickets are priced £5 and are available on Evenbrite but the producers have said: “If you’d like to come along but things are tight – just buzz phantompower2014@gmail.com for free tickets.”
If it enjoys anything like the success of Nation films, this latest documentary will be a hit.
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