Ffilm Cymru Wales became a CIC in 2006. They support the development of a creative, innovative and inclusive film culture. As we head into our 10th year, it’s timely to reflect on achievements across the sector.
Supporting talent
Through our development and production funds, we identify and nurture new Welsh filmmaking talent. We progress the ideas and careers of writers, directors and producers and cultivate a creative film community.
To date, we have invested almost £6 million in 50 feature films. We also continue to explore cross-media intellectual property opportunities for our films. Such as branching into:
- books
- music
- apps
- games
- education resources
Recently our talent support helped Submarine star Craig Roberts shoot his directorial debut, Just Jim. This brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to his hometown of Maesycymmer. Also released last year was Kevin Allen’s radical cinematic adaptation of Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood, starring Rhys Ifans and Charlotte Church. This was the UK’s foreign language submission for the 2016 Oscars. While world-class documentaries Dark Horse and Orion earned international awards and acclaim.
Welsh-language film Yr Ymadawiad / The Passing was released 8 April 2016. This chilling supernatural drama from the makers of Hinterland premiered at the Wales One World Film Festival in March 2016.
Reaching audiences
The Wales One World Film Festival is just one of the many festivals. We are always looking to support and engage with new audiences. The exhibition funding we have increases access to a broader range of films. As well as promoting a vibrant and dynamic film culture.
In the last 10 years, Ffilm Cymru Wales has supported 1,277,412 admissions to 33,299 specialised screenings. This included a diverse variety of world cinema and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) films.
Inspiring learning
Film education helps people build confidence and discover new skills and opportunities. It also promotes social and cultural awareness. We attract people across generations, including those with additional learning needs to learn through film.
Since 2006, we have:
- worked with education practitioners to deliver 110 projects, engaging with almost 30,000 participants
- produced interactive digital media resources, such as an A-Level film education pack exploring Welsh sci-fi thrillerThe Machine, co-produced with the WJEC
Most recently, organisers of the Iris Prize LGBT Film Festival worked with young people to produce a library of short films tackling homophobic bullying in schools. All eight films are available to watch on the Ffilm Cymru Wales YouTube channel.
Building businesses
Part of our commitment is to cultivate a thriving and diverse Welsh film sector. Ffilm Cymru Wales also targets funding at indigenous companies that can grow the local creative industries infrastructure. Company Support awards funding to Wales-based production companies, affording them the opportunity to expand their capacity and growth potential. Supported companies include:
- Red and Black Films (The Machine)
- Western Edge Pictures (Third Star, Mr Calzaghe)
- Set Fire to the Stars Productions (Set Fire to the Stars)
Maximising value
All our activity is streamlined through our new Magnifier approach. Magnifier identifies and builds audiences and revenue streams from the early stages of a film project’s development. Working on the principle of shared knowledge, Magnifier aims to maximise value by:
- expanding communication networks
- exploring intellectual property opportunities
- experimenting with ideas and
- unlocking the potential of ideas
Looking back not only sheds new light on new lessons and achievements. It also offers a new perspective as we look ahead to the future of Ffilm Cymru Wales. Thanks for reading.
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