The 13 Scottish films screening at this year's Glasgow Film Festival

A film about the story of an Edinburgh tour guide who descends into madness when a big-budget fantasy TV show takes over his small town and a documentary about Scotland’s cultural heritage of Gaelic psalm singing are among the 13 Scottish highlights of this year’s Glasgow Film Festival.

Edinburgh filmmaker Sean Dunn’s anticipated black comedy debut, The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford, is shot on location in Edinburgh and Balerno and features Gayle Rankin and Peter Mullan.

Also featuring is Jack Archer’s documentary Sailm nan Daoine (Psalms of the People), Meanwhile, Welcome to G-Town is the debut feature from identical twin brothers Ben McQuaid and Nathan McQuaid, which follows shape-shifting aliens that have landed in Glasgow.

Paul Gallagher, head of programme for Glasgow Film Festival. Pic: Ryan Rutherford | GFT

Marc Silver’s documentary, Molly vs THE MACHINES, will also have its world premiere at the festival, with nationwide screenings from Campbelltown to London, also happening concurrently. The story of a heartbroken father’s quest to uncover the truth behind his daughter’s death and his fightback against how the most powerful corporations of the modern age operate, the film is distributed by Scottish production company Cosmic Cat and received significant funding from Screen Scotland.

FrightFest, GFF’s resident horror festival, will also open with the world premiere of Vasily Chuprina’s action thriller Jailbroken, a claustrophobic pressure-cooker set entirely within a single prison cell. Co-produced by Scottish production company Up Helly Aa, the film features a Scottish cast led by Bryan Larkin, David Hayman, Shauna MacDonald and Armin Karima.

Paul Gallagher, who took over the role of programme director last year, said: “I’m particularly pleased at the depth and variety of films in this programme that were made here in Scotland or by Scottish talent; it speaks so highly of the great filmmakers we have, and the increasing opportunities they are taking and creating for themselves.”

“I can’t wait to showcase theirs and so many other brilliant filmmakers’ work to the greatest cinema audience in the world.”

Isabel Davis, executive director of Screen Scotland, said: “The Scottish films reflect a year of fearless, ingenious and entertaining work, from first-time filmmakers to those making a second, third or fourth film here in Scotland. These films sit alongside world-class cinema in a programme that remains as welcoming and audience-focused as ever.

“Screen Scotland is GFF’s major funding partner because the festival champions strong, locally originated work alongside its international programme, and is becoming a significant date in the industry calendar. All of which contributes to our creative and economic growth.”

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Glasgow Film Festival is a much-loved part of our city’s cultural life, bringing people together through a shared love of film. From the powerful opening film, Everybody to Kenmure Street, this 12-day programme delivers first-class cinema throughout.”

Meanwhile, the country focus this year will be on Sweden, where five films will have their UK premieres.