9th September 2021
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.
-ENDS-
