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LOS ANGELES — The complex relationship between the Scots language, identity, pride and belonging is explored in a new documentary produced by Cinora Films. 'Thrawn', by Scottish director Ashley Dick, looks to unpack “how the Scots language has been dragged through the gutter and re-emerged.”
The project, currently crowdfunding, follows Dick's own journey of redefining her relationship with the language while featuring familiar Scottish faces from the creative industries. Promotional clips have already sparked conversation among Scots and international viewers who know the feeling of hiding their language or accent to fit in — with many flooding the 'Thrawn' Instagram posts with their own experiences of being told to sound less Scottish.
“As a working-class Scot born in the 1970s, the confusion about the use of ma mither tongue plagued me for many years,” said comedian Karen Dunbar. Artist Louise Higgins added, “After years of being mocked and misunderstood, the masking and diluting of my accent took its toll on my confidence. Now I see my guid Ayrshire tongue as a superpower.”
The documentary arrives at a notable moment, with Scots recognized as an official language in the Scottish Parliament earlier this year. Dick, 34, said there's “been a clear big shift” since, adding that she wants the film to “look to the future of the language and culture, and make steps toward preservation and celebration.” The title reflects that spirit: 'Thrawn', she said, “is about feeling uncertain but also being quite stubborn.”
“There's a pride and a shame that run through being Scottish,” Dick said. “Although we have been told that Scots is wrong, we are stubborn, strong, unyielding — and thrawn.” Cinora Films has launched a crowdfunder with a £10,000 goal toward completing filming, post-production and community screenings.
