2025 Glasgow Film Festival: Gala Screenings Highlight Must-See Films

The 2025 Glasgow Film Festival begins on February 26, and this year its prestigious Gala screenings will feature four films – a survival thriller, two dramas, and an inspiring documentary. Let’s take a closer look at each movie.

A gripping survival thriller directed by John McLean, Tornado follows a young Japanese woman touring with her father’s Samurai puppet show. She risks everything by stealing gold from a ruthless gang led by Sugarman and his son, Little Sugar. When her heist goes awry, it turns into a desperate fight for survival.

Tornado stars Kōki as Tornado, Tim Roth as Sugarman, Jack Lowden as Little Sugar, Rory McCann as Kitten, Takehiro Hira as Fujin, and others. The film will be screened as part of the Opening Gala on February 26 and will be followed by a Q&A with the director and cast.

Long Day’s Journey into Night is the sixth film adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s play of the same name. The story unfolds over 24 hours, following Mary Tyrone—a morphine addict—and her family as they struggle to express love amid constant conflict and sorrow. Mary’s husband James is burdened by regrets, while their sons, Jamie and Edmund, face their own challenges.

Jessica Lange returns as Mary Tyrone, with Ed Harris as her husband James, Ben Foster as Jamie Tyrone, and Colin Morgan as Edmund Tyrone. The film will be screened on Friday, February 28, followed by a Q&A with director Jonathan Kent and the cast.

Written and directed by Laura Carreira in her feature film debut, On Falling follows Aurora, played by Joana Santos, a Portuguese worker in a Glasgow warehouse. She toils in a repetitive job and battles loneliness at home while dreaming of friendship and a better life. The film shows that even in hardship, hope can prevail.

On Falling will be screened on Friday, February 28, followed by a Q&A with Carreira.

Make It To Munich tells the true story of 18-year-old Ethan Walker. After surviving a serious accident that nearly cost him his life, he embarks on a 1200 km bike ride from Glasgow to Munich to deliver a match pennant for Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener. He is joined by Professor Gordon Mackay, who performed his knee surgery and suggested the ride, along with filmmaker Martyn Robertson and superfan Stephen Collie.

The film will be screened as part of the Closing Gala on March 9, followed by a Q&A with director Martyn Robertson.