New Welsh feature films in development

From true-to-life tragedy to out-of-this-world adventure, these exciting and inspiring new projects tell universal stories from unique perspectives. This round of Ffilm Cymru’s development funding also supports both experienced filmmakers to further their careers, and debut writers and directors to discover the world of film beyond their work across advertising, television and theatre.

Introducing the new projects to Ffilm Cymru’s development slate, Celi Fowler, Development Executive, comments “We are excited to support such a wide range of projects from a cross-section of genres. Each project has a distinct voice and unique approach, and this latest round of funding demonstrates the wealth and quality of filmmaking talent in Wales.”

The eight new films now in development with Ffilm Cymru are:

20th Century Boy

A radical, glam-rock glittered period drama chronicling the legend of the ‘Dancing Marquess’ of Anglesey, who dared to challenge notions of gender, decorum and class in the Edwardian era. Produced by Alex Ashworth and Exec Produced by Andy Evans & Celyn Jones (Six Minutes to Midnight) of Mad As Birds Films, 20th Century Boy is currently being written by Lisa Natalie Baker and will be directed by Black Mountain Poets director Jamie Adams.

 

The Big If

The tragic true story of boxer Johnny Owen - The Merthyr Matchstick – and his trainer-father Dick, whose lives are changed forever when they get a shot at the world title. This transatlantic co-production between New Black Films and Identity Media assembles an experienced producer team of Anthony Mastromauro (The Old Man & The Gun), Claire Warnes (Carol) and Victoria Gregory (Maiden), while the film will be written and directed by Alex Holmes (Coalition).

 

Brando’s Bride

In the golden age of 50s Hollywood, rising 'Indian starlet' Anna Kashfi has a shining future. But shortly after she marries Marlon Brando, a white couple from Cardiff claim to be her parents, and Anna's glamorous world starts to implode. Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti’s (Behzti and A Kind of People) adaptation of Sarah Broughton's biography of Kashfi, produced by Broughton and Bethan Jones for Martha Stone Productions, explores the legacy of colonisation and what it means to belong.

 

Land of our Fathers

Old myths of a supernatural monster resurface when three young girls go missing from their small Welsh town. This psychological horror film will be the feature debut of director Medeni Griffiths following her BAFTA Cymru nominated, Welsh language short Beddgelert, which was produced by Bad Wolf through Ffilm Cymru’s Beacons short film scheme.

 

On a Scale of One to Ten

A brutally honest and humorously raw coming-of-age story about grief, friendship and the fragility of the human heart and mind. Award winning Theatre and TV writer Phoebe Eclair-Powell adapts Ceylan Scott’s acclaimed YA novel - the film will be produced by Alice Lusher and Catryn Ramasut at ie ie productions.

 

Out There

The lives of teenage alien investigators Cari and Maz are transformed forever when they witness a UFO crash in rural Wales. This cosmic comedy from writer-director Simon Ryninks and producer Tibo Travers is pitched at Young Adult audiences, and Ffilm Cymru’s funding will also support the team to explore immersive experience tie-ins. 

 

Real Women

A funny, empowering and ultimately triumphant film about ordinary north Walian women that lead everyday lives. But by taking strength from each other, their heritage and their surroundings, they find the courage to stand together and tell the world their extraordinary secrets - some tragic, some hilarious. Inspired by true events, Real Women is written by acclaimed theatre and TV writer Charlotte Jones and produced by Mark Puddle, Nick Barton (Calendar Girls, Kinky Boots) and Nick Leese.

 

Untitled Feature Documentary

Cardiff-based Truth Department has received an award for an immersive new documentary film (details to be announced at a later date). The film is produced by feature documentary specialist Dewi Gregory, whose previous films include the BIFA-winning Orion: The Man Who Would Be King and rainforest thriller The Borneo Case. He is currently producing Jay Bedwani’s debut feature Donna, slated for its world premiere this summer.