Welsh film festivals broaden reach to rural communities with support from Ffilm Cymru Wales

With National Lottery funding delegated by the Arts Council of Wales, Ffilm Cymru Wales provides support to independent film exhibitors to entertain and inspire people throughout the nation with a greater choice of films. As part of the organisation’s commitment to innovation, inclusion and sustainability, their Film Exhibitor Fund encourages cinemas and film festivals to develop their work in an evolving sector, connecting their local communities through cinema. 

Last year Ffilm Cymru Wales funded 19 independent cinemas, film festivals and community pop-up screenings across Wales, and provided a strategic programme of business development workshops and tailored one-to-one training for exhibitors. Led by Mustard Studio, this invaluable development programme was designed to help Welsh exhibitors focus their audiences, project their brands and build sustainable businesses.

In the first of two rounds of Film Exhibitor Funding this year, Ffilm Cymru Wales has supported:

Abertoir International Horror Festival 2025 

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Abertoir will take place 12th – 16th November at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, where horror fans will be treated to the best genre features and shorts from around the world, live events, and a host of special guests, including Garth Marenghi. The cult comedy author will open this year’s festival as part of an epic UK tour for his latest book This Bursted Earth. Festival passes will be on sale soon.

Cardiff Animation Festival 2025-26

CAF will once again expand its biennial festival in Cardiff to cinemas and communities around Wales with a 9-month programme of animated short and feature film screenings, exclusive Q&A sessions and informal social learning activities. Their tour of 1991 Welsh-language feature Y Dywysoges a'r Bwgan / The Princess and The Goblin will take Welsh animation heritage to rural audiences, as well as a chance to see original animation cels, hand-drawn concept art and oil paintings from the film.

Children’s International Film Festival of Wales

A new applicant to Ffilm Cymru Wales’ Film Exhibitor Fund, the Children’s International Film Festival of Wales celebrates the best and brightest in international short and feature films for young people, students, and professional filmmakers. Free film screenings will take place between 15th and 18th October 2025 in Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, culminating in a prestigious awards night in the historical Queen’s Ballroom at the heart of the local community. 

Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival 2025

The global celebration of LGBTQ+ stories brings filmmakers from around the world to Cardiff, and is home to the largest short film prize in the world – the coveted £40,000 Iris Prize. This year’s festival runs from 13th – 19th November, offering the opportunity to see the very best in current LGBTQ+ short and feature filmmaking, as well as special events and legendary parties. Ffilm Cymru Wales will also be chairing a panel discussion and co-hosting a networking reception with Bulldozer Films as part of the festival’s industry day.

The Magic Lantern

Situated in the Mid Wales coastal town of Tywyn, The Magic Lantern cinema has been showing films since 1901. With funding from Ffilm Cymru Wales, their new “Sgrin a Sgwrs” project will provide a monthly programme of contemporary and classic Welsh-language films with post-screening discussions led by special guests. The cinema’s ambition is to attract people from the surrounding communities and build a regular audience and appreciation for wonderful Welsh-language cinema in the future. 

WOW Wales One World Film Festival 2025-26

This year, the WOW Film Festival marks its 25th edition by launching an innovative monthly world cinema programme touring six towns spanning Wales: Swansea, Cardigan, Fishguard, Cardiff, Bangor and Aberystwyth. “WOW Around Wales” will open with a special Ecosinema event in Aberystwyth on 9th and 10th October, bringing together international cinema, local voices, and community collaboration to celebrate the power of film to spark dialogue, inspire action, and imagine more sustainable futures.

Ffilm Cymru Wales’ Chief Executive Lee Walters says “Film has a unique power to connect people and communities, and we’re proud to support festivals and cinemas across Wales who are bringing world-class stories to local audiences. Whether it’s celebrating Welsh-language cinema, championing new voices, or showcasing international work to underserved audiences, this funding helps ensure that everyone in Wales has the chance to be inspired by film. Our exhibitors are at the heart of this mission, and we’re excited to see how they continue to innovate and reach audiences in fresh and meaningful ways."

In addition to funding, Ffilm Cymru Wales provides year-round support, guidance and opportunities for cinemas and film festivals. Their next online networking session for film exhibitors to connect and discuss ideas will take place on 9th October, and organisations can book one-to-one meetings with our team on 3rd and 24th October.