From anticipated Welsh language horror, Gwledd, set in the hills of Snowdonia, to the transgender community of New Delhi in documentary Hijra – eight eclectic films are set to bring Welsh talent and stories to the big screen in 2022.
The eight films offer audiences a chance to discover something new about Wales, from unknown local Welsh stories such as the fight to save The Lyric cinema in Carmarthen (Save the Cinema), through to global narratives of the African National Congress told through the eyes of Welsh storytellers like Gordon Main and John Giwa-Amu (London Recruits).
Through their Made in Wales strand, Film Hub Wales (FHW) are working with distributors, Welsh cinemas and film festivals to promote the films to wider audiences.
Hana Lewis, Film Hub Wales’ Strategic Manager explains:
‘The upcoming films highlight that there is plenty to be discovered about life in Wales, beyond our rural landscape. Welsh filmmakers have globally significant stories to tell, which can inspire both new talent and local audiences. Through Made in Wales, we have a chance to consider how the films made in our Nation can give us a voice worldwide and build the film industry around us. Greater awareness of these films can only benefit our sense of community and cultural identity.
Wales is an increasingly exciting place for film, with scripts attracting actors such as Rebel Wilson (The Almond and the Seahorse) and Samantha Morton (Save the Cinema) to leading roles and these are just a selection of titles anticipated in 2021. FHW tracked and supported 27 films with Welsh connections between 2019 and 2020 alone.
As venues work to recover from the pandemic, many filmmakers hope that audiences go to see these films on the big screen as they were intended.
Roger Williams, writer of Gwledd explains:
If we were to be quite bold about telling our stories on this big, big, screen, we could start to build the kind of culture where it’s not unusual to see Welsh language film in cinemas…
Delphine Lievens, Head of Distribution at Bohemia Media adds:
We’re really delighted to be bringing Donna to audiences across the UK later this year. Donna is such a unique and inspiring figure, and so authentically portrayed by the talented Welsh filmmaking team behind the film.
Audiences can keep up to date with news of the upcoming releases on the Made in Wales section of Film Hub Wales’ website or by following @Filmhubwales on social media.
Made in Wales is made possible thanks to funding from Creative Wales along with National Lottery funding through the UK-wide BFI Film Audience Network (FAN). As part of FAN, Film Hub Wales develops audiences for British independent and international film year-round, funds in Wales are administered by FHW via Chapter as the Film Hub Lead Organisation.
More than £30M is raised each week for good causes across the UK by the National Lottery.
-ENDS-
In village halls, libraries, rural arts centres and urban community spaces across Wales, community and volunteer run cinema events are reuniting local people safely through big screen experiences.
The 120 plus community run cinema groups in Wales are often lifelines for audiences who have to travel over half an hour by car, or far greater distances by public transport, to reach their local multiplex or arts centre.
To support these crucial community services, Film Hub Wales (FHW) is working with venues to offer programme and marketing support. They have also awarded a series of small grants through the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) Film Exhibition Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, to Welsh community led cinemas and film societies as they reopen post COVID-19.
Funds will be used to help bring the best UK and international films back to local people, in the neighbourhood cinemas they know and love, including a host of films from Wales. Exhibitors will support wellbeing and reduce isolation created by the pandemic, particularly for older community members who have felt less confident in returning to public events. Community cinemas, who will also be affected by the new COVID pass regulations in Wales, will equally rely on the support and patience of audiences in coming months as they rebuild.
In the village of Brynamman, on the south side of the Black Mountain, The Public Hall Cinema are running a season of Welsh film, enabling their audiences to relate to stories on screen.
General Manager Tom Smith explains:
Our cinema is in a rural, low income, area and for the majority of our customers, it’s the only venue they’re able to regularly access for entertainment. We planning to show films that were filmed or set in Wales, with relevant stories that are close to home and relatable for our audience, particularly our loyal over 60s group who visit for Silver Screen Presentations. We’re excited at the prospect of introducing independent film to all of our customers, who may not have had the opportunity to ever watch an independent film at the cinema before.
In Llansadwrn, Carmarthenshire, Sinema Sadwrn are showing British independent and international films every month.
Sinema Sadwrn Volunteer Mair Craig adds:
We’re looking forward to reopening, with Covid restrictions in place, so that people can come together after all this time to enjoy a shared experience. We’re based in a rural village in Carmarthenshire, and we’ve really missed our community get-togethers over the past year and a half. Our venue is a cosy village Reading Room and our screenings are a way to safely ease the community back into regular social events. We’re really grateful to have Film Hub Wales’ support.
Supported events will run across Wales from now until March 2022, as the cinemas work closely with their audiences to gather feedback and adapt to local needs.
Hana Lewis, Strategic Manager of Film Hub Wales adds:
Non-theatrical venues who are screening from DVD or Blu-Ray, smaller venues in rural areas and independent cinemas in urban locations have remained closed for long periods of time during Covid. Many are run by dedicated volunteers and have been unable to access funds or staff to remain open. They’ve been greatly missed and we wanted to support and celebrate their return. They’re not only offering an eclectic range of films that local audiences would otherwise be unable to see but they’re often home to a range of additional, vital, community services.
The BFI FAN Film Exhibition Fund is made possible thanks to National Lottery funding from the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN). The fund offers reopening support to exhibitors across the whole of the UK, to boost cultural programming and engage diverse audiences as restrictions ease. Funds in Wales are administered by FHW via Chapter as the Film Hub Lead Organisation.
More than £30M is raised each week for good causes across the UK by the National Lottery.
Download the full Press Release here.
-ENDS-
Film Hub Wales (FHW) have launched a new series of interviews, podcasts and more, designed to celebrate films with Welsh connections.
First to feature are interviews with talent behind new releases Censor and The Toll. The Whole Story, which is part of Film Hub Wales’ Made in Wales strand, works in collaboration with the filmmakers and distributors to draw attention to the stories behind the screen as they reach festivals and cinemas.
As independent venues continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the aim is to boost the profile of Welsh films and encourage audiences to return to the cinema.
Hana Lewis, Film Hub Wales’ Strategic Manager, said:
“We believe that Welsh films should be recognised world-wide and the best place to see them is at our local cinema or festival. We’re exploring what ‘Welshness’ means to audiences by looking behind the stories behind the screen, from the experiences of cinema programmers, to female Directors and beyond. It’s crucial that independent films with Welsh connections are visible, to maximise investment for the screen sector, to ensure hidden voices are heard and also to develop international perception of Wales.”
The Whole Story also aims to support and inspire Welsh talent. Promoting opportunities on offer in Wales, can help to close skills gaps not just in production but in film marketing, journalism, programming and sales – which are equally as crucial to give Welsh films every chance of success.
Aberystwyth born Director of Censor, Prano Bailey-Bond explains:
“The support I’ve had from Wales in making and releasing my debut feature, from organisations, cinemas and audiences, has been both immense and essential. It’s an incredibly exciting time for Welsh creators and wonderful that Film Hub Wales are throwing a spotlight on us. I hope it will further highlight the creative potential bubbling in the country, and give Welsh audiences even more to enjoy and be proud of.”
Screen Writer of The Toll, Matt Redd from Haverfordwest adds:
“Wales is quickly becoming a world-renowned hub for film and television production, but as a filmmaker born in and living in Wales, I’m mostly excited by the opportunity to tell Welsh stories that find a universality in the specificity of Welsh life. Made in Wales offers a fantastic platform for Welsh stories to connect with a local audience, building momentum in a film’s journey to audiences across the globe.”
Ben Luxford, Head of UK Audiences at the BFI said:
“Film Hub Wales’ The Whole Story will offer audiences fantastic insight into Welsh films and filmmakers. Thanks to National Lottery players, the BFI is not only supporting the whole series, but also helped to fund the making of both Censor and The Toll.”
Exhibitors will be able to access assets created through The Whole Story, to spark conversation with their audiences about Welsh films and generate anticipation for new releases. As part of the Made in Wales programme, there are also a host of other year-round activities from preview screenings for film programmers to inclusion in the FHW film catalogue which hosts over 1000 shorts and features with Welsh connections.
Made in Wales is made possible thanks to Creative Wales and National Lottery funding from the British Film Institute (BFI), via its Film Audience Network (FAN). Film Hub Wales develops audiences for British independent and international film year-round via Chapter as the Film Hub Lead Organisation.
The National Lottery raises £36 million each week for good causes across the UK.
Audiences can follow the latest Made in Wales news on the FHW website or via @filmhubwales on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Download the full Press Release here
-ENDS-
Following our recent findings in A response to the Cultural Contract from Welsh cinema exhibition, the Wales Cultural Alliance have now released their full report, written and prepared by Dr Ellie Byrne and Dr Eva Elliott of Straeon Research Ltd.
The report brings together conversations and presents qualitative research which has been conducted by independent researchers across the sector.
You can read the full report below.
Cardiff based film and TV producer, Berwyn Rowlands, who founded the biggest international LGBT+ short film prize in the world, is in line for recognition after being nominated for a 2021 National Lottery Award.
Berwyn, originally from Anglesey but who lives in Cardiff, has been shortlisted in the Arts category of this year’ National Lottery Awards for his outstanding work over 15 years as the Founder and Festival Director of the Iris Prize LGBT+ Film Festival. Berwyn is flying the flag for Wales and is one of only five individuals from across the UK nominated in the Arts category.
The National Lottery Awards are the annual search for the UK’s favourite National Lottery funded people and projects and they celebrate the inspirational individuals and groups who do extraordinary things in their community, especially during these challenging times.
Established by Berwyn in 2006, the National Lottery funded Iris Prize takes place in Cardiff annually and has developed into the biggest international LGBT+ short film prize in the world. It has become a leading voice in championing LGBT+ short film and Iris also runs LGBT+ education and community outreach projects in Wales and the UK throughout the year. Iris has cemented itself as a significant event in the British film festival calendar and has featured in the top 50 film festivals in the world by Movie Maker magazine for four years.
Thrilled to be nominated, Berwyn (pictured above in 2007), 54, who organised his first ever public film festival in Aberystwyth back in 1989, says:
“It’s an absolute honour to be shortlisted as a finalist in the Arts category for the 2021 National Lottery Awards. During the pandemic, film has provided escapism and comfort for so many at a time when it’s needed most, and this is why the Iris Prize continued last year in an online capacity. I would like to thank The National Lottery’ players for supporting myself and the Iris Prize and for helping us to run an unique festival which is dedicated to celebrating amazing LGBT+ film and bringing films from this diverse community to the attention of wider audiences around the world.”
This year, more than 1,500 people were nominated for a National Lottery Award in recognition of the work they have carried out with the help of National Lottery funding.
Next month a panel, made up of representatives of The National Lottery and partners, will decide the winners in each category from a shortlist of five.
Winners will be revealed in the autumn and will receive a £3,000 cash prize for their organisation and a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy.
Jonathan Tuchner, from The National Lottery, said:
“Since 1994, The National Lottery has made a huge positive impact on life across the UK. Thanks to National Lottery players and the £36 million raised each week for good causes, thousands of organisations are making an incredible impact and difference in their local areas.
“The National Lottery Awards honour those who have stepped up and stood out like Berwyn, who work tirelessly for their community. They deserve great praise and our thanks for their incredible work.”
Encompassing all aspects of National Lottery good causes funding, the 2021 National Lottery Awards will recognise outstanding individuals in the following sectors:
In September a public vote will be held to find The National Lottery Project of the Year, while online polls will take place after the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games to determine the winner of The National Lottery Olympian and Paralympian awards.
Film Hub Wales (FHW) has awarded £52,700 in National Lottery funding, through the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) Film Exhibition Fund, to 8 Welsh independent cinemas and film festivals as they reopen post Covid 19. For some this will be the first time the doors have opened since March 2020.
Funds will be used to help bring the best UK and international films back to the big screen in Welsh communities. Exhibitors will support wellbeing and reduce isolation created by the pandemic, offering audiences affordable, accessible events both online and in the local cinemas they know and love. From missed movies strands, to neurodiverse Welsh animation, communities will play a key role in the shaping the return of cinema.
At Theatr Gwaun in Fishguard, they have been busy making over both the film programme and the building, with the help of the community. Audiences can expect an updated space, including Martha’s café, along with brand-new activities for young visitors.
Sue Whitbread, CEO of Theatr Gwaun explains:
The award from Film Hub Wales means that we will be able to open our doors again in July as promised to our community. Theatr Gwaun is the only film exhibitor servicing rural North Pembrokeshire and a vital source of entertainment. Having installed all Covid precautionary measures, we are ready to welcome back our audience to a safe, friendly environment.
Our new Community Film Panel has developed a refreshed programme that includes more independent film, Welsh language and event films nights with guest presenters and local hospitality. Young people have also been encouraged to have their say through POINT PRESENTS, a monthly film night. We have developed our new daytime cafe and event space, Martha’s, which will feature archive film collated by the community. The building is also getting a makeover this summer with a major new community mural.
In Blaenau Ffestiniog, CellB are bringing the world to their audiences’ doorsteps, through film, via their youth led ‘Sinema’r Byd programme.’ Over 50 British and international films for all ages will explore culture and climate change, which audiences can enjoy in the brand new Sgrin 2.
Rhys Roberts, owner of CellB says:
Our young hosts will welcome and greet, inform and advise, laugh and listen to our young and old audiences. We’ll create a Welsh welcome like no other as our audiences return to Cellb and experience the brand new Sgrin 2 set up as a place for all of our community to come together to watch films.
With Covid restrictions set for review in mid-July, sites across Wales are working hard to navigate safe and viable reopening.
Hana Lewis, Strategic Manager of Film Hub Wales explains:
It’s a huge milestone to reopen to the public and cinemas and festivals have worked tirelessly to make this happen. There is a challenging road ahead as we rebuild and cinemas need the support of audiences now more than ever but this is a moment to look forward and recover from time spent apart. Highly anticipated films are releasing and exhibitors are set to entertain us but thanks to their community focus, we all have a chance to play an active part in the future of cinema.
The BFI FAN Film Exhibition Fund is made possible thanks to National Lottery funding from the British Film Institute (BFI), via its Film Audience Network (FAN). The fund offers reopening support to exhibitors across the whole of the UK, to boost cultural programming and engage diverse audiences as restrictions ease. Funds in Wales are administered by FHW via Chapter as the Film Hub Lead Organisation.
The National Lottery raises £36 million each week for good causes across the UK.
Images/Delweddau – left to right: Off Y Grid and Wicked Wales, Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival, Cardiff Animation Festival © Mission Photographic, Pontardawe Arts Centre, CellB – Sgrin 2, Theatr Gwaun July Reopening, WOW “Wales One World” Film Festival
The National Lottery welcomes back film fans with free tickets to over 500 cinemas across the UK on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June for National Lottery Cinema Weekend
Edith Bowman and directors Dexter Fletcher and Prano Bailey-Bond share their excitement for this support for cinema as anyone who plays The National Lottery can claim a free pair of tickets at www.cinemaweekend.co.uk
Wednesday 16 June 2021: Over 200,000 free cinema tickets are available to film fans this weekend (Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 June), as a thank you to National Lottery players for their vital contribution to film.
The National Lottery Cinema Weekend, in partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI), will take place at more than 500 cinema sites across the UK, including Cineworld, Odeon, Vue and other chains and independent cinemas from Thurso to Penzance, and from Coleraine to Cardiff.
Players can use any National Lottery ticket, instant win game or scratchcard bought online or in retail (T&Cs apply) to claim a free pair of tickets to use at participating cinemas at www.cinemaweekend.co.uk.
This National Lottery Cinema Weekend, there’s something for everyone to see; from BFI National Lottery funded independent films like After Love starring Joanna Scanlan and British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) winning documentary The Reason I Jump, to blockbusters like the musical In the Heights, Disney’s Cruella and horror A Quiet Place Part II, as well as BAFTA and Oscar® winning drama The Father starring Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Edith Bowman, broadcaster and spokesperson for the campaign, said:
As someone who loves the experience of watching films with other people, I’ve missed going to the cinema massively over this past year. Once the lights go down and the film starts playing on the big screen, everything else fades and you’re immersed into the beautiful world of that particular story, the filmmaker’s vision, the characters, the music – the communal experience is escapism in its purest form and provokes such wonderful conversation. I’m so excited about this amazing initiative from The National Lottery and the BFI and really hope film fans across the UK embrace this wonderful opportunity to support their local cinema.
Dexter Fletcher, director of films such as Eddie The Eagle and the BAFTA-nominated Elton John biopic Rocketman, received National Lottery support through the BFI earlier in his career for the Scottish musical Sunshine On Leith. Dexter said: “I’ll always be grateful and appreciative to the BFI and the National Lottery players for the support and funding they gave to the making of Sunshine On Leith. Low budget films are the launch pad for aspiring film makers and enable new and experimental visionaries to come through, get their start and make their mark on a larger stage. Sunshine On Leith was an important stepping stone in my own journey as a director and the BFI and National Lottery helped make that possible. “
Welsh director Prano-Bailey Bond has experienced the benefits of the impact of National Lottery funding directly. Prano, who makes psychological horrors, was one of the emerging filmmakers chosen to be part of a BFI professional development programme that runs alongside with the BFI London Film Festival in 2017. Her debut feature film, Censor, which was backed by the BFI and Ffilm Cymru Wales using funds from the National Lottery, will be in cinemas later this year. Prano said:
The BFI has been incredibly supportive and I couldn’t have made Censor without their support. Having watched filmmakers I hugely admire come up through the BFI, such as Lynne Ramsay (the acclaimed Scottish director of films such as Morvern Callar and We Need to Talk About Kevin) and Sarah Gavron (director of recent BAFTA winner Rocks), it’s a dream to have had this backing for my debut feature. Thank you to all National Lottery players!”
Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff is one of the venues taking part in National Lottery Cinema Weekend and knows first-hand the support the National Lottery gives to cinemas all year round. Claire Vaughan, Cinema Programme Manager at Chapter Arts Centre, said: “The past year has been particularly challenging for independent cinemas as we had to close the doors and sometimes repurpose our venues for other types of essential community work. As one of the lead organisations for the BFI’s UK-wide Film Audience Network, the wonderful team here at Film Hub Wales was able to support venues with emergency funding at the start of the pandemic and offer additional support to engage a diverse range of audiences as restrictions began to ease. It’s wonderful to be able to repay National Lottery players for their generosity this weekend and give them a chance to see some fantastic films. We look forward to welcoming them!”
Ben Roberts, Chief Executive at the BFI, said: “Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players we’re able to support bold filmmakers, film education and training, the cinemas that mean so much to local communities, and enable UK audiences to see a wide range of films. Over the past year so many of us have missed that special communal experience of watching film on the big screen, so what better way to say ‘thank you’ than a free trip to the cinema! ”
The National Lottery has funded the making of more than 600 films, including award-winning and commercial hits across the years such as Bend it Like Beckham, The King’s Speech and, more recently, seven-time BAFTA nominee Rocks. The funded films combined have won 15 Oscars®, 109 BAFTAs and 29 awards at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
As a result of the money raised by The National Lottery for good causes, the BFI invests over £50 million a year to develop and support authentic UK filmmakers and films, enriching independent film culture with their original voices.
The National Lottery Cinema Weekend is part of a wealth of activity in June to thank National Lottery players for contributing over £30 million each week to good causes across the UK.
Players of all National Lottery games must be aged 18 or over.
Participating cinemas in Wales:
∙ Maxime Blackwood
∙ Odeon Bridgend
∙ Brynamman Public Hall
∙ Chapter Arts Centre
∙ Odeon Cardiff
∙ Showcase Cardiff Nantgarw
∙ Vue Cardiff
∙ Vue Carmarthen
∙ Vue Cwmbran
∙ Odeon Llanelli
∙ Vue Merthyr
∙ Reel Port Talbot
∙ Scala Cinema, Prestatyn
∙ Vue Rhyl
∙ Odeon Swansea
∙ Vue Swansea
∙ Odeon Wrexham Eagles Meadow
-ENDS
Tickets to Cheltenham International Film Festival 2021 (online) are now on sale via our streaming partner YourScreen. Once again, we are working with exhibitor partners to reach audiences across the UK using our Virtual Cinema model and hope that you will join us once more to share our programme with your audiences.
We will provide you with a discount code entitling your audience to 25% off tickets. This year we are also offering Festival Passes for any five films at an early bird price of only £25 up until midnight on 23 May.
For all sales made using your code we will pay you 30% of all revenue received. Existing YourScreen 25% codes will still be valid for individual ticket purchases. We also have a new affiliate scheme for selling passes which means all you need to do is share a link and revenue will automatically be tracked.
Please click here to register as a Virtual Screening Partner.
If you require any further information, please email: patrick@yourscreen.net
The full festival programme can be browsed at: https://cheltfilm.com/
About the Festival
Opening with a preview of the multi-Oscar winning film, The Father, and closing with a preview of an adaptation of Steven Berkoff’s comedy play Brighton, the festival presents 33 films from around the world, including 17 UK premieres and 11 previews. The official film festival competition to select BEST FILM, EMERGING DIRECTOR will be judged by a respected jury of film and media personalities chaired by Anna Smith, who, most recently, was Chair of the London Film Critics’ Circle.
This year we acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the release of Stephen Frears’ debut feature film Gumshoe. In an exclusive interview with Tim Robey of The Daily Telegraph, Stephen talks about Gumshoe and his long and prolific career as one of the UK’s most respected filmmakers. Other interviews during the festival include Aneil Karia, director of the exhilarating thriller Surge, the Cannes Camera D’Or winning director of Wet Season , Anthony Chen, Michael Bentham, director of topical Australian drama Disclosure and the Director of Brighton, Stephen Cookson along with cast members Larry Lamb and Marion Bailey. More Q&A events will be announced in the coming week.
This year, we have had more interest than ever in the festival programme with ticket sales already taking off and each film has a limited number of tickets. Therefore, we recommend you start promoting asap so that your audience doesn’t miss the opportunity to watch these wonderful films. Better yet, they can buy a pass for excellent value.
The full programme is now on sale at https://cheltfilm.com/ with tickets available at Early Bird prices until midnight on 23 May.
Further information: Patrick Bliss, patrick@yourscreen.net
From May 17th, cinemas in Wales and across the UK are beginning to open their doors to audiences again. Reconnect with the best British and international films on the big screen.
Check back in for more updates as cinemas confirm their reopening dates in the coming weeks and months.
Climate emergency is the defining issue of our time. We can’t afford to look away. We’re working with cinemas and festivals Wales wide to develop our #PlanetaryPromise by ensuring that the projects we support, consider their impact on the environment.
We also recently released a biodiverse big screen programming pack, a free film resource available UK wide to raise awareness through environmental film programming.
We’re also considering the impact we make in our office. We’ve switched to recyclable tape, refillable bamboo pens, note books from Born Free Foundation and we refill our liquids in glass bottles. We’re committed to making a difference on a local and national level.
Since 2011, The National Lottery has invested more than £2.2bn in green projects and initiatives across heritage, art, community and sport. Everything from community groups preserving natural habitats to art installations educating young people on climate change.
Between the 19th and 23rd April, The National Lottery is inviting distributors, projects, volunteers, fundraisers, athletes and players to make a #PlanetaryPromise on social media as part of a campaign promoting environmental good causes.
The #PlanetaryPromise is a chance for you to do your bit for the environment by making a conscious commitment to either start or stop something that could be helping or harming our planet.
