Celebrating 130 Years of Cinema in Wales

© Y Chwarelwr, Twin Town, Effi o Blaenau, Panoramic View of Conway Castle on the L & N.W Railway, I am Not a Witch, Gwledd (The Feast)

April 2026 marks 130 years since the first known cinema screenings in Wales. The big screen has been home to the pioneering films of William Haggar and Arthur Cheetham from the early 1900s, right through to the latest releases like Effi o Blaenau and Madfabulous.

To celebrate, we’re running a number of activities throughout 2026 at Film Hub Wales, including a series of ‘cinema treasures’ blogs looking at both our historic and newly renovated venues, plus a podcast and special clips from Hub members on ‘the future of Welsh film’.

We’ve also put together a list of some of the key Welsh films from the last 13 decades, which are available to screen in cinemas now.

Starting in 1898 with Arthur Cheetham’s ‘children on the beach‘ and the dreamlike ‘Panoramic View of Conway Castle on the L & N.W Railway’, we’re setting out on a journey of Welsh cinema. Going through each decade, you’ll discover the first Welsh talkie ‘Y Chwarelwr‘, through to cult classics like Twin Town and Human Traffic, before delving into the modern day Welsh releases like Gwledd and Effi o Blaenau. 

Please note: This is a live document and changes may be made to rights information. Film Hub Wales does not own the rights to any of the films listed. You must contact the rightsholder listed in the document if you wish to book.

View the 130 Years of Cinema in Wales Film List

The full list of season assets includes:

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Film Hub Wales | Canolfan Ffilm Cymru
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