Pupils from Ysgol Bro Dinefwr have been shortlisted for the Into Film Awards for their short film The Language of Cymraeg.
Filled with amusing recreations, the film sees a classroom in Wales being taught about the history of the Welsh language, covering everything from Henry VIII’s attempts to ban it, to those who have fought to keep it alive and give the language more prominence in the modern era.
Speaking before the event, Taran and Joseph, who wrote and edited the film explained what it means to be nominated for the prestigious Into Film Awards: “We are extremely proud of what we have achieved, and is something that we have worked tirelessly to strive to create.
“Filmmaking is important to us as it enables us to tell a story in different ways that are not easily accessible within a classroom environment.
“We wanted to do something personal to our country. We decided it would be a great idea to tell the story of the language of Cymraeg throughout history, exploring the cultural, historical and social elements of a language that we feel has been overlooked in the entirety of the history of Great Britain.
“Having this opportunity has broadened our horizons into the creative industry.”
Celebrating its 10th year, the Into Film Awards enable young people aged 5-19 years to be creative and find a voice through practical filmmaking, and to make films about what matters to them.
Of the nine categories, which include both animation and live action films, budding Welsh filmmakers and filmmaking champions, from Aberystwyth, Merthyr Tydfil, Llandudno, Ysgol Bro Dinefwr and Cardiff, have secured an impressive five nominations across five categories.
Best Animation – 11 and Under (Sponsored by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, UK): Ein Dyfodol Made by Gwennan, aged 11 from Aberystwyth.
Best Animation – 12 and Over (Sponsored by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, UK): Branwen, Daughter of Llyr Made by Year 8 from Pen y Dre High School in Merthyr Tydfil.
Best Film – 12-15 (Sponsored by Paramount Pictures): The Language of Cymraeg Made by 16 young people aged 11-14 from Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire.
Best Film – 16-19 (Sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery): Battery Made by 15 young people aged 16-19 from TAPE Community Music and Film and Ysgol Y Gogarth, Llandudno.
Filmmaking Champion (Sponsored by Lucasfilm Ltd.): Cardiff Youth Service – Part of Cardiff Council’s Education department, and work with young people aged 11-25 to develop personal, social and educational development through a variety of opportunities, including filmmaking projects.
Welsh Language Commissioner, Efa Gruffudd Jones said: “It’s good to see the Welsh language spoken and discussed so prominently in these creative films. Children and young people have an important role to play in guarding and promoting the Welsh language for the future. What’s great to note having watched the films is how these young people stand ready to discuss and investigate current affairs, and do so with maturity whilst also creating engaging content. Congratulation to all on their success.”
Other categories include Best Documentary (Sponsored by IMDb); Best Film – 11 and Under (Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios); Time for Action (Sponsored by Swatch); and Ones to Watch – (Sponsored by EON Productions).
Non Stevens, Head of Into Film Cymru, said: “The purpose of the awards is to promote the power of film in supporting the educational, cultural and personal development of children and young people. All this is an integral part of the new curriculum in Wales, with schools across our nation using film in creative and innovative ways, with educators and learners exploring, responding and creating film on a wide variety of subjects and themes.
“I’m really looking forward to hearing and seeing the Welsh language and our Welsh stories – a popular theme for this year’s panel – on the big screen at the 2024 prestigious Awards in London. Warmest congratulations to everyone on their nominations.”
