Media students take part in Amdani’s short-film competition
Media students at Coleg Ceredigion have taken part in workshops with film company Amdami as part of it’s Welsh New Wave short-film competition.
The Ceredigion-based film and TV production company has launched the 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.
To support entrants, Amdani hosted a series of workshops which 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.
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, being chosen in spring 2025, will have their film produced and distributed by the production company, Amdani.
Mererid Hopwood - esteemed Archdruid of the national Eisteddfod, celebrated for her expertise in Welsh language poetry and literature 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 – 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, 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.”
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.”
Photo credits: Huw Penallt Jones portrait - Chris Stewart and the others Eddie Yeoman
