INVERCLYDE'S pioneering panto film has won a clutch of international film festival awards.

The Magical Beacon Stone - filmed here and featuring panto regulars and Still Game TV stars Mark Cox and Jane McCarry - brought some festive cheer after the annual stage show at the arts centre became a casualty of the pandemic.

Now the film, directed by David Goodall and funded by the council, is scooping gongs in Los Angeles and Paris.

Modest film-maker David said: "Inverclyde really is the star of this film, people kept saying to me how beautiful it is.

"Every single person involved pulled out all the stops to make the film the success it has become.

"It is always great to work in Inverclyde with the support of the council and the Beacon.

"We love Inverclyde."

As the film was honoured at the Indie FEST in LA it won a trophy made by the same company who also do the Oscars, Emmys and Golden Globes.

David added: "In terms of getting into festivals, it really is a big deal.

"It’s one of those occasions when getting selected is almost as big as winning.

"There are thousands of submissions and maybe only five per cent are selected, but to go on and win is incredibly rare.

"It is a great honour to the cast and crew, as well as Inverclyde Council and The Beacon."

Actor Mark said: "This film really lifted our spirits and let's hope we can get back on stage soon.

"We love coming to Inverclyde and the audiences are special."

The Magical Beacon Stone was screened in local schools before Christmas and was watched by thousands when it went online.

Its credits at the IndieFest in LA included an award of merit and special mention in children's family/family programming and cinematography.

There was also a merit award for film short, supporting actors Mark Cox, Jimmy Chisholm and Lee Samuel and the original score and song by David Goodall.

At the Ediplay Festival in Paris the haul included best comedy, best producer and best original music - David Goodall and best cinematography - Kenneth Caldwell.

Provost of Inverclyde Martin Brennan said he was delighted by the film's success.

He added: "It’s well-deserved recognition for all the hard work that went into this project in such a short period of time by the Beacon and all the cast and crew, with support from Inverclyde Council, to deliver a first class festive film for everyone to enjoy."

Beacon chief executive Pauline Kane said: "We are thrilled to see the talents of our brilliant cast and creative team recognised at this year's film festivals.

"It was such a pleasure to hear audience feedback and see schools throughout Inverclyde watching and enjoying the film.

"We can't wait to welcome audiences back for panto this December."