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BAFTA Cymru and partners announce first Cinema for National Eisteddfod of Wales

9 March 2016
Sinemaes logo

A strategic partnership of key Welsh film organisations has come together to provide a film experience on the Eisteddfod Maes for the first time in 2016

“Sinemaes” to offer film-related activities, screenings, premieres and masterclasses for week in Abergavenny this summer

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in Wales, BAFTA Cymru, has today announced that it is leading on the development of a special new tent for the National Eisteddfod, the largest peripatetic cultural festival in Europe.

Working in partnership with Film Hub Wales, Chapter, Into Film, Ffilm Cymru Wales, The Royal Television Society, Wales Screen, BFI Net.Work, ITV Cymru Wales, S4C and TAC, BAFTA Cymru and the National Eisteddfod have confirmed that the first cinema offer will be made available at the Abergavenny event from 30 July – 6 August.

The “Sinemaes” tent will be located in the drama village area of the Maes, and will offer a full programme of screenings from the National Screen and Sound Archive, new feature films from Ffilm Cymru Wales and S4C; masterclasses and workshops for all ages and the chance to find out more about working in the film and television industry in Wales.

Elfed Roberts, Eisteddfod Chief Executive said, "This is an exciting development at the Eisteddfod, and certainly it will be a valuable addition to the Drama Village. We look forward to working with everyone in the coming months to ensure the success of the project in Monmouth and District."

Further partners are being confirmed as the partnership seeks sponsorship for the week-long event. The Sinemaes partnership is being supported by post production company Gorilla and translation company Trosol.

Hannah Raybould, Director of BAFTA Cymru said “The National Eisteddfod of Wales - the annual peripatetic cultural festival which attracts 150,000 visitors over 6 days - will host a celebration of Welsh film, media and games for the first time this year.

“As BAFTA celebrates 25 years of the British Academy Cymru Awards, the programme we are planning will celebrate the BAFTA Cymru winners of the past and encourage young people to consider a future in the creative media industry.”

Strategic partners Into Film Cymru, Ffilm Hub Wales and Ffilm Cymru Wales will be using the opportunity to promote their work to the public attending, as well as celebrating the educational, production and exhibition opportunities that film offers Wales.

Hana Lewis of Film Hub Wales explains, “With Chapter as our Film Hub Lead Organisation, our partners and Film Hub Wales members, we’re delighted to work together to bring a diverse film programme to the 2016 Eisteddfod for the first time. Audiences can anticipate exciting film events that celebrate our rich cultural heritage and showcase home-grown Welsh talent.  From rural archive to live music mash-up, we’re aiming to offer something special on the Maes.”

Non Stevens, Into Film said “Into Film looks forward to deliver a fun, interactive and educational programme of activities to the Sinemaes visitors at the Eisteddfod and hopes to use the national platform to inspire the next generation of filmmakers.”

Pauline Burt, Chief Executive of Ffilm Cymru Wales, comments “We’re delighted to be part of Sinemaes, providing the opportunity for new work from Welsh film talent to reach new audiences, while celebrating the language and culture of Wales.”

Television broadcast and trade organisations ITV Wales, The Royal Television Society and TAC (Teledwyr Annibynnol Cymru) will also be hosting events at the Sinemaes tent, highlighting and debating current topics relating to television production in 2016.

Tim Hartley, Chair of the Royal Television Society in Wales, said, "We are delighted to have a space on the Eisteddfod Maes where we can meet students and young people interested in getting into television. We will be holding events and screenings all week and offering advice and guidance to those seeking to get their first break in the industry. The RTS is an educational charity and it is great to be able to work with all our partners in the creative industries in Wales."

Gwawr Martha Lloyd, S4C Drama Content Commissioner says; "We're thrilled to work with our partners to screen recent and new releases, alongside some of S4C’s classics on the Sinemaes big screen. S4C's archive is packed with high quality productions which have won international acclaim, including an Oscar nomination. We are looking forward to making the most of the opportunity to enjoy and celebrate the best of Welsh cinema."

The full programme for the Sinemaes tent will be made available as part of the promotional schedule of the National Eisteddfod over the coming months.

About BAFTA

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – featuring workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes – in the UK, USA and Asia; it offers unique access to the world’s most inspiring talent and connects with a global audience of all ages and backgrounds. BAFTA relies on income from membership subscriptions, individual donations, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships to support its ongoing outreach work. To access the best creative minds in film, television and games production, visit www.bafta.org/guru. For more, visit www.bafta.org.