Amdani launches The Welsh New Wave short-film competition
Amy Daniel and Huw Penallt at the Welsh New Wave workshop in Aberystwyth.
The Ceredigion-based film and TV production company has launched a competition, judged by Huw Penallt Jones, Mererid Hopwood, and Gwenllian Gravelle, that offers a talent development programme.
‘The Welsh New Wave’ (‘Ton Newydd Cymru’) is an exciting short film competition and talent development programme aimed at nurturing emerging filmmakers across Wales. This initiative is designed to provide a platform for new voices in Welsh cinema, culminating in the production and distribution of a standout Welsh-language short film.
The Welsh New Wave invites submissions from aspiring filmmakers from October 1, 2024, to November 1, 2024. Once the submission window has closed, a jury will select three finalists by December 1, 2024, who will join a talent development programme. The ultimate winner, chosen in spring 2025, will have their film produced and distributed by the acclaimed Ceredigion-based production company, Amdani.
Applications to the competition are accepted in Welsh or English. The winning applicant will be supported to work through the medium of Welsh and so the competition is open to those of all levels of Welsh proficiency.
The jury for this competition is exciting. Gwenllian Gravelle is S4C’s Drama Commissioner, known for producing dramas including Pobol y Cwm, Casualty, Under Milk Wood and a number of live events including Cardiff Singer of the World. Mererid Hopwood is the esteemed Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod, celebrated for her expertise in Welsh language poetry and literature. Huw Penallt Jones is a film producer with over 40 years of experience, known for his work on high-profile films like Cold Mountain, The Man Who Knew Infinity and Patagonia.
Mererid Hopwood said: “I’m delighted to join Ton Newydd Cymru as part of a project that aims to promote new Welsh film-making. I’m looking forward to hearing the voices of new story-tellers who can narrate – through film – a work that is irresistibly compelling. Rather like poets, I imagine the creators will need to practice the art of the succinct, and hope to leave the listening viewer with new memories that entertain and enable new understanding.”
Huw Penallt Jones said: “I am proud to support the Welsh New Wave as a judge. By creating short films in Welsh, we provide access to Welsh stories and language, preserving the rich history of oral literary tradition while embracing a modern visual medium. Short films are all about being succinct. The script and narrative must convey a compelling and clever story in a concise and engaging way, all within a short timeframe. “What would I say to those considering applying for the Welsh New Wave? Quite simply: do it. This competition offers a platform to share your stories with the world, experiment with your ideas, and, most importantly, receive constructive feedback that will help you develop your craft.”
To support entrants, Amdani hosted a series of workshops in September 2024. They were aimed at people with an ambition or emerging talent for film storytelling. The in-person workshops were held in Aberystwyth, Lampeter, and Aberteifi, and focussed on storytelling, pitching, and communication skills.
Amongst those who attended the workshops were some students from Coleg Ceredigion’s Creative Media course. Sophia Bechraki, Coleg Ceredigion lecturer in media said: "As part of their course, students are required to work to a professional standard to develop and pitch ideas, and so it was useful for them to gain insights and tips from those working in the industry. Students left feeling inspired to submit applications for the competition."
Amdani also held an online workshop and competition Q&A on 7 October 2024 for those who were unable to attend in person, and to ensure accessibility for participants across Wales.
The Welsh New Wave has received £39,173.44 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which is administered by the Cynnal y Cardi Team for Ceredigion County Council.
Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “We are thrilled to support Amdani’s launch of ‘The Welsh New Wave’ short-film competition. This initiative not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of Wales but also provides a unique platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent in the Welsh language. By nurturing new voices and fostering creativity, we are ensuring that the tradition of Welsh storytelling continues to thrive in modern cinema. We look forward to seeing the innovative and inspiring films that will emerge from this competition.”
Established in 2018 by the director, Amy Daniel, Amdani is a dynamic film and TV production company based in Aberystwyth. Known for its commitment to Welsh language cinema and sustainable filmmaking, Amdani has received recognition at international festivals and is dedicated to promoting Welsh culture through film.
Through support from Media Cymru, and in partnership with Aberystwyth University, Amdani is pioneering a sustainable approach to filmmaking in Wales. Amdani's mission is also to elevate Welsh-language films to global audiences, fostering a vibrant Welsh-speaking creative community.
Professor Anwen Jones, the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience at Aberystwyth University, said: “Through its partnership with Amdani, Aberystwyth University is proud to support The Welsh New Wave, which will nurture creative skills and empower aspiring storytellers to use the Welsh language in their work. We are already looking forward to watching the winning film!”