Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) – Sinema Cymru emerges from a partnership between S4C and Creative Wales, spearheaded by Ffilm Cymru. This initiative is geared towards accelerating the development of independent Welsh language films that are daring, unconventional, and poised for international cinematic distribution.
The internet has in recent made films and other media content that were usually accessible just locally a global appreciated. Welsh language films are likely to see this benefit as language with the aid of translators and dubbing has seen more global reach.
In the initial round of development funding, four titles have been selected to receive support. “Gorllewin Gwyllt” presents a unique blend of drama and comedy, following an eccentric outsider who employs her deep knowledge of Western films to unravel the mysterious disappearance of her closest companion in a rural Welsh village. The team behind this project includes Carys Lewis as both writer and director, along with Bethan Leyshon as writer. “Pijin” adapts Alys Conran’s novel, delving into the intricacies of a childhood friendship between Pijin and Iola, whose immersive world of imagination and storytelling leads to catastrophic outcomes. Spearheaded by Triongl as the production company, Angharad Elen writes, Euros Lyn directs, and Gethin Scourfield & Nora Ostler Spiteri produce. “Lluest” ventures into the treacherous terrains of eighteenth-century north Wales, exploring themes of betrayal and female vengeance amidst snow-clad mountains. The project is backed by Severn Screen Ltd, with Ed Talfan writing, Gareth Bryn directing, and Hannah Thomas and Gareth Evans serving as producers alongside Caryl Lewis as executive producer. Lastly, “Estron” portrays a community’s struggle for survival against unearthly forces closing in on them. Led by Joio Cyf as the production company, Lee Haven Jones directs while Roger Williams writes the tale of resilience against the supernatural.
Hannah Blythyn, who is the Minister for Creative Industries for Wales, says “The Welsh Government is committed to delivering more independent Welsh language film, and at a time when the sector is under increasing pressure, this is more important than ever.”
