Sinema Cymru: new round of funding to boost Welsh language film
Sinema Cymru: rownd cyllido newydd i hybu ffilmiau Cymraeg
Following its initial success, a second round of funding has opened to support Welsh language feature films with international and big screen potential.
Sinema Cymru, a collaboration between S4C, Ffilm Cymru Wales and the Welsh Government via Creative Wales, has announced a second round of funding aimed at developing multiple Welsh-language feature films a year, with a view to progressing at least one into production funding annually.
This year’s fund will also support earlier stage, high-potential filmmaking talent to ensure an exciting future for Welsh-language feature filmmaking in Wales.
Following the success of the inaugural funding round last year - which saw the new scheme receive a significant number of high-quality applications - four projects were selected for feature development:
Gorllewin Gwyllt – Writer/Director: Carys Lewis, Writer: Bethan Leyshon
Pijin - Writer: Angharad Elen, Director: Euros Lyn, Triongl
Lluest - Writer: Ed Talfan, Director: Gareth Bryn, Severn Screen
Estron – Writer: Roger Williams, Director: Lee Haven Jones, Joio Cyf
The second round is now open for applications from experienced filmmakers from across Wales.
Administered by Ffilm Cymru Wales, the fund makes up to £30,000 available for individual projects with the potential to be ready for production within 12 months of the start of the development period, with smaller awards of up to £10,000 available for earlier stage projects.
Sinema Cymru aims to put Welsh language film on the map by fast-tracking independent, bold and unconventional films which have the potential to gain international cinema release. The programme provides not only funding, but also career development support for creative teams, offering bespoke development plans alongside project funding.
Minister for Culture, Jack Sargeant said:
"The Sinema Cymru fund shows our drive to delivering more independent Welsh language film, and we particularly want to champion under-represented voices and push the boundaries of what is expected from Welsh language film.
“The success of the four projects funded in our first round demonstrates the wealth of talent and creativity in Wales. We want this fund to inspire creativity and help promote Wales and the Welsh language to the world. We look forward to seeing the diverse ideas that emerge from this second funding round. Pob lwc!"
Head of Film and Drama for S4C, Gwenllian Gravelle, said:
"The cinema is a special medium that allows us to entertain, connect with our audiences and start meaningful conversations. It also transcends language and geographical barriers. Sinema Cymru is very exciting as it helps us to showcase Wales, our language, our unique talent and our stories with audiences both locally and globally.”
Lee Walters, Chief Executive of Ffilm Cymru Wales, said:
"We're delighted to partner with S4C and Creative Wales on this targeted Welsh language fund. Independent films nurture diverse talent, which is vital as UK indigenous production declines. We're proud of our four first round teams and projects, and excited to discover new voices in this second round."
The deadline for this year’s applications is Monday 16 June. To apply visit https://ffilmcymruwales.com/funding-and-training/sinema-cymru
Notes to editors
More about the four recipients of the inaugural round of Sinema Cymru:
Gorllewin Gwyllt - When her best friend disappears, a cowboy-obsessed misfit turns her Welsh town into a Wild West fantasy - and becomes the prime suspect in her own twisted quest for justice.
Writer/Director: Carys Lewis
Writer: Bethan Leyshon
Production Company: Riot Time Pictures
Pijin - An adaptation of Alys Conran’s coming of age novel about a childhood friendship between Pijin and Iola who escape reality by living a life of imagination and storytelling - but the fantasy eventually spirals out of control, with disastrous consequences.
Writer: Angharad Elen
Director: Euros Lyn
Producers: Gethin Scourfield, Nora Ostler Spiteri
Production Company: Triongl
Lluest - A bloody exploration of betrayal and female retribution set in the snow-bound mountains of eighteenth-century north Wales.
Director: Gareth Bryn
Writer: Ed Talfan
Producer: Hannah Thomas
Executive Producers: Gareth Evans
Production Company: Severn Screen Ltd
Estron (Foreign Body) - A teenage boy undergoes a strange and terrifying transformation in a body horror about the forces of cultural change
Director: Lee Haven Jones
Writer: Roger Williams
Production Company: Joio Cyf
About Creative Wales
Creative Wales is a Welsh Government economic development agency established to promote and grow the creative industries in Wales.
Our focus is to offer funding, support, and guidance across a range of sectors from TV and Film, Animation – including Immersive Tech, AR/VR – through to Games, Music, and Publishing - positioning Wales as one of the best places in the world for creative businesses to thrive.
We are passionate about creating opportunities for people in the industry. Whether that’s entry-level training or developing and upskilling people already working in our creative sectors. We are committed to investing in people from a diverse range of backgrounds, whether they’re young people, newcomers to the industry or our talented and experienced workforce.
From studio development to grassroots music venues, indie games developers and major international productions, we provide funding, specialist advice and help people within the industry to make connections that will nurture the development of creative projects of all sizes. We also actively promote sustainability, fair work, and equal opportunities for everyone working across our creative sectors.
Whether we are supporting home-grown talent or working to attract international creative projects to Wales, our aim is always to strengthen the industry for the long term and create exciting and rewarding opportunities for future generations.
For more information visit creative.wales and follow us on socials:
Instagram @cymrugreadigol
LinkedIn cymru-greadigol-creative-wales
Ffilm Cymru Wales
Ffilm Cymru Wales is the development agency for Welsh film. We are dedicated to advancing and sustaining a strong film industry for Wales; one that we can all be proud to call our own. We do this by providing funding and training to emerging and established Welsh filmmakers, offering exciting cinematic experiences to audiences across Wales, and developing new skills and career paths for people through a range of training programmes.
Recent credits include Mr Burton, Chuck Chuck Baby, Kensuke’s Kingdom and Timestalker. Forthcoming productions include Brides, Madfabulous and The Man In My Basement.
S4C
S4C is a public service broadcaster and the only Welsh language television channel in the world. S4C distributes a wide range of programmes including drama, documentaries, news, music, entertainment, live sport and children programmes. Online content includes HANSH a unique brand with content aimed mainly at 16-34-year-olds. S4C Clic – S4C's player and on demand service provides exclusive content, catch up, archive material and box sets. All S4C content is also available on demand via BBC iPlayer.