John Kelbie

Biography

John Kelbie is a Scottish director and colourist based in Central Scotland. As a queer and neurodivergent man, John strives to tell stories about those from underrepresented groups. Growing up in the Highlands, he felt he was never truly represented on screen and wants to use his films as a tool to advocate for equal human rights for all. John has directed several films that have been award-winning and have screened at film festivals up and down the country. Most recently, he has directed BOWL, a project that explores a gay man’s desire to return to playing Lawn Bowls. This project has gained traction from the press and organisations including Bowl Scotland, Sport Scotland, Leap Sports and Mikeysline. Most recently, BOWL was nominated at Stratford on Avon Film Festival and Carolina Film Festival. Additionally, it has also screened at Brighton Rocks International Film Festival and Nightpiece Film Festival as part of the Edinburgh International Festival 2025. BOWL also has upcoming screenings at Outiwth Festival, Carolina Film Festival, and San Antonio Qfest - LGBT Film Festival. John has been hard at work distributing BOWL out to wider audiences and networking with fellow creatives. He hopes his future involves more opportunities to tell stories about those underrepresented and make a positive change in people's lives.