Doctor Who
Additionally, a groundbreaking partnership has been announced between S4C and film/ gaming studio Wales Interactive. This col- laboration marks an innovative step forward, merging the realms of film and interactive sto- rytelling. S4C chief executive Sian Doyle has outlined the plans, where three filmmakers will work together to develop scripts and ideas for an interactive film in Welsh; the goal is to ex- plore the possibilities of interactive storytelling and create an immersive experience.
By embracing cutting-edge technology and narrative techniques, S4C and Wales Interac- tive aim to revolutionise the way stories are told in Wales. The ultimate goal of this collab- oration is to select one exceptional project for commission, ensuring the chosen interactive film reaches audiences worldwide. By embrac- ing this interactive format, S4C and Wales In- teractive wish to propel the Welsh film industry forward – and position Wales as a pioneer in the realm of immersive storytelling.
screen, Doctor Who’s popularity has lured fans from all over the world to Wales on sightseeing missions.
The success of the rebooted Doctor Who led to the creation of spinoff shows set in the same universe, including Torchwood – visibly set in Cardiff Bay, and featuring a character with the decidedly Welsh name of Ianto; when the character died in 2009, a shrine appeared on a quayside wall which remains in place to- day – and The Sarah Jane Adventures. The franchise’s presence in Wales has enhanced the cultural identity of the country, showcasing Welsh landmarks, folklore and talent.
In 2014, the film Pride opened to acclaim, going on to be nominated for three BAFTA awards and a Golden Globe. Based on actual events, Pride tells the story of the LGBTQ+ community standing in solidarity with striking Welsh miners in the mid-1980s, and the cho- sen filming locations utilise Wales’ landscapes, villages, and onetime mining areas. A positive, uplifting portrayal of those involved in the movement, the film sheds light on an important moment of Welsh history.
Considering origin stories for a moment, one can’t discuss films set in Wales without men- tioning 1941 blockbuster How Green Was My Valley: winning five Academy Awards and named as one of Clint Eastwood’s favourite
pictures, this film truly gave voice to the peo- ple of Wales. Produced during World War II, domestic filming was consequently off-limits, so a replica of a south Wales mining town was built in California’s Santa Monica Mountains.
How Green… depicts Victorian life in the Val- leys and the impact of the dangerous mining industry on Welsh communities and families. Despite being an American production, the movie’s narrative reflects the socioeconomic changes faced by Welsh mining communities, seeking to depict the unbreakable Welsh spirit. Beyond its cinematic achievements, the film left an indelible mark on Wales, shaping its cultural identity and inspiring a generation of Welsh storytellers.
In recent news, S4C has pledged to release a new Welsh film every year, with support and funding from Creative Wales, Sinema Cymru and Ffilm Cymru. This could be a huge stimuli for the broadcasting company, moving towards a more developed film industry in Wales while promoting the use of the language in cinema. Dal Y Mellt (renamed to Rough Cut for its English-speaking audience) being picked up by Netflix has had a significant impact on the industry, and it’s been followed closely by Y Swn – S4C’s filmic account of its own, polit- ically tempestuous origins – released in cine- mas nationwide, to good reception.
Y Sŵn
Dal Y Mellt
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Geraint Todd Photography
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