Ffilm Cymru Wales boosts training for filmmakers

Combining National Lottery funds delegated via the Arts Council of Wales and the British Film Institute via BFI NETWORK, Ffilm Cymru Wales’ Connector fund supports organisations to run targeted training and networking activity for filmmakers who are born or based in Wales. Organisations with experience in the creative industries can apply for up to £10,000 to support events or training activity for aspiring, new or emerging writers, directors and producers of film.

Through the Connector fund, Ffilm Cymru Wales aims to support organisations already doing great work to develop talent, while also collaborating with people who can bring new insights to the development agency’s work. 

“We’re proud to support a wide range of projects across Wales, with a particular focus on writers, directors, and producers,” says Tina Pasotra, Ffilm Cymru Wales’ Talent Development Manager. “It can be especially challenging for above-the-line talent to consistently develop their craft, particularly for under-represented filmmakers facing multiple marginalisations, further compounded by geographic location.”

The latest projects awarded Connector funding are: 

CineStiwt    

Production company Red Seam, in association with Minera Studios Cymru, will offer opportunities for aspiring and emerging film professionals in the Rhosllannerchrugog / Wrexham area. The programme will support participants to share their unique stories and help the next generation of film talent towards building a dynamic, homegrown industry in North East Wales.

Different Voices 2025    

Cardiff Animation Festival are partnering with Biggerhouse Film to support emerging neurodivergent animators in Wales in developing their creative ideas and their understanding of the industry. Their series of workshops and mentoring aims to prepare participants for the next steps of production, employment and platforming their work.

Documentary Pitch Deck & Presentation Training    

This programme from Wheesht Films will offer support to aspiring documentary filmmakers, who may not have access to an experienced producer, to help them write, present and pitch their projects. 

Film Networking Socials

Bulldozer Films will continue their successful series of networking socials across Wales helping new and diverse talent to break into the film industry. Events feature a guest speaker - either a writer, producer or director - who discuss their careers and share advice on how they got into the industry. Previous guests include Lee Haven Jones (Doctor Who), Philip John (Downton Abbey), Jodie Ashdown (Doctors), Catryn Ramasut (Brides) and Kieran Evans (Kelly + Victor).

FfilmSchool: The Future film School 

Hosted at upland Celtic rainforest and peatland restoration project Coetir Anian and regenerative farm Cefn Coch in the Dyfi Watershed, this filmmaking workshop will provide doc-making education that centres future wellbeing, favouring people restricted from accessing such training, with accommodation and food provided. The FfilmSchool is an attempt to learn doc-making fit for the mental, social, and environmental wellbeing of future generations.

The Writers Lab UK & EU 2025    

This script-development and industry-training programme seeks to advance the skills, industry access and career sustainability for women and non-binary screenwriters aged 40+. The Writers Lab aims to enhance future opportunities in the industry through mentoring, peer-to-peer workshops, and virtual masterclasses that are being promoted to the wider Welsh, UK and international filmmaking community. Speakers and mentors include Sally El Hosaini (Unicorns), Prano Bailey-Bond (Censor), Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor (Dreamers) and Gillian Anderson.