Future Acts

Six new short films from celebrated Scottish theatre and film talent, imagining the future through AI, dating, queer love, climate change and cloning. Each film comes from a different writing and directing team, mixing theatrical and filmic genres in a bunker, a bed shop, a beer garden, a coastal path and a caravan.

Produced by National Theatre of Scotland in association with Shakehaus, in partnership with BBC Scotland. Screening with Q&As in cinemas across Scotland in October 2026, then on BBC digital platforms from January 2027.

Produced by

National Theatre of Scotland

In association with

Shakehaus

In partnership with

BBC Scotland

Producer

Margarita Veberaite

Supported by

The Weir Charitable Trust

Year

2026

The six films

Film 01

Broth

Written by Lesley Hart · Directed by Sally Reid

After an on-air breakdown ends her career, former news anchor Rona Lawson is sent to report from a disappearing coastline, where an unlikely friendship shows her the future is still open.

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Film 02

Optimum

Written by Uma Nada-Rajah · Directed by Stewart Laing

Two strangers meet for a date in a Glasgow beer garden, matched by an AI as optimally compatible. But can an algorithm really predict love?

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Film 03

Still Alive

Written and directed by Hope Dickson Leach

Hector wakes up in a younger body, cloned by a dubious biotech company. His only company is a temp at the end of a very long shift, and a second chance at life may not be what he hoped for.

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