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Crazy Daisy’s – film launches in Clydebank

Crazy Daisy’s launches at Omniplex Clydebank, Highlighting Urgent Social Issues in Contemporary Scotland

Clydebank, Scotland – On 4th November, UNLEYEK will host an exclusive private screening of Crazy Daisys at Omniplex Clydebank. (Please note– this is an invitation only event)

This highly anticipated short film, written and directed by Sara Jane Kirkwood, provides a poignant glimpse into the lives of four teenage girls navigating poverty, friendship and identity amidst the socioeconomic challenges of Clydebank, growing like daisies do through the cracks in the pavements.

Clydebank, officially listed among areas with Scotland’s highest youth unemployment rates in Scotland, grapples with deep-rooted inequalities. Statistics reveal that over 30% of young people in the area struggle to find employment, while ongoing austerity measures exacerbate social divisions. The area had one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Europe 2021/2022, the highest rate in Scotland, drug deaths rose by a fifth in 2023 and in 2024 the Local Authority declared a housing emergency due to the unprecedented need in the area for social housing.

Set against this socio-political backdrop, Crazy Daisys – starring Evie McColgan, Abbie Miller, Chloe Hodgson and Olivia Adams – shines a much-needed light on these issues, offering viewers a chance to understand the complexities faced by young women in marginalised communities.

“I grew up in a town officially dubbed as the worst place in Scotland to be a woman. I wanted to challenge the stereotypical outsider’s imagined version of the scheme I live in with the aim to creatively celebrate the diverse people and parts of our vibrant community that are often stigmatised, rarely consulted with and hardly ever appreciated,” says Kirkwood.

Set over a typical weekend from inside contemporary working-class culture, Crazy Daisys is a rare glimpse, through a female-led lens, on lives that are often overlooked, shedding light on struggles and resilience in economically disadvantaged areas. The film focuses on four friends living in a deprived council housing scheme as they confront adversity with courage and humour, mirroring the harsh realities of everyday life in Clydebank.

Martina Russo, executive producer and CEO of UNLEYEK, emphasises, “The short is more than a story – it’s a testament to the power of community. Clydebank’s rich history and complex social landscape offer an authentic backdrop to this narrative, and it’s crucial to amplify voices often sidelined in mainstream media”.

Kirkwood, an award-winning director and Clydebank native, drew inspiration from her years working in community social services. Her intimate understanding of the region’s dynamics and challenges allowed her to craft an immersive and relatable storyline. Crazy Daisys seeks to challenge preconceived notions of working-class communities and highlight the tenacity of young women carving out their futures in difficult circumstances.

The project was filmed on location in Clydebank, with proactive involvement from local residents, both behind the camera and in leading roles.

The whole crew collaborated closely with the community, fostering engagement and ensuring the short film was authentically reflective of Clydebank’s complex reality.

“Narratives like Crazy Daisys are not just stories, they’re an urgent call for visibility,” says Natalie Arle-Toyne, Executive Producer. “Scotland’s cultural landscape is rich, diverse, and full of untapped talent. Sara Jane Kirkwood’s script was in equal measure darkly hilarious, touching and uplifting. I genuinely believe that local voices like Sara Jane’s can spark change, and I feel deeply grateful to have been so welcomed into her incredible community. I’m an honorary Bankie now, and proud of it”.

Support for the Crazy Daisy’s Project

The script won a small EU arts award which kickstarted production, and local businesses stepped in to help: The Golden Jubilee Hotel provided much needed crew accommodation, the local Co-Operative kept the cast and crew fed and watered, local charity Y Sort It provided locations and a base, and the Omniplex Clydebank offered their venue for a private screening. Further support was received from the Central Radnor Park Tenants and Resident Association, Media Dog, Film Vehicle Scotland, law firm Brown & Winters and Alison Edgar MBE, who feels that “the film highlights the positives of being from Clydebank and shows how much grit and determination the girls gain from growing up in the area”. Michael Gourlay, Business Development Manager at the Golden Jubilee Hotel, who was supportive of the film right from the start, says, “We were absolutely delighted to support Sara Jane and her incredible team during the filming of their ‘Crazy Daisys’ short film. We’re excited to see the final product and proud to have played a small part in this fantastic project”.

As a pioneering female-led production company, UNLEYEK continues to support stories that matter. Crazy Daisys represents a significant step towards greater representation of women and working-class narratives in the film industry. The film not only aims to entertain but also serves as a critical social commentary, highlighting relevant issues of economic inequality and gender dynamics in contemporary Scotland.

The event at Omniplex Clydebank will be an invitation-only event, with local press, film industry stakeholders, and community representatives in attendance. For more information and press inquiries, please contact info@unleyek.com.

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