Festivals - image Cardiff Animation Festival

Ydy hi'n Ŵyl Ffilmiau?

Ynglŷn â'r Sesiwn

Yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf, mae canolfannau ledled Cymru wedi bod yn sefydlu micro-wyliau eu hunain er mwyn cyrraedd cynulleidfa newydd, neu i ymdrin â thema benodol. Mae un o'r rhai mwyaf poblogaidd yn ŵyl ffilmiau dros dro o ffilmiau Cymreig, ond pa mor hawdd yw hi i gynnal y digwyddiadau hyn am fwy na blwyddyn? Pan fyddwn yn meddwl am wyliau ffilmiau, rydym yn dychmygu digwyddiadau rheolaidd, digwyddiadau premiére a phwyntiau gwerthu unigryw. Felly, pan ddaw i sefydlu rhywbeth newydd, a ddylem ofyn i'n hunain 'a yw'n ŵyl ffilmiau?' neu a yw'n dymor neu benwythnos gyda thema benodol neu hyd yn oed yn glwb ffilmiau misol? Neu, a allwn ni osod ffilmiau mewn digwyddiadau lleol cyfredol megis ffeiriau crefftau neu farchnadoedd, neu weithio gyda gwyliau ffilmiau sydd eisoes wedi’u sefydlu? Dewch i glywed gan Ŵyl Animeiddio Caerdydd a Gŵyl Arswyd Abertoir am yr hyn sydd ei angen i gynnal gŵyl ffilm sefydledig, yn ogystal ag Awen a gynhaliodd Ŵyl Ffilm Cwm Llynfi yn ystod 2025, a rhannwch syniadau gyda gwyliau a chanolfannau eraill ledled Cymru.

Strwythr y Sesiwn

  • 10am – Cyflwyniadau
  • 10.05 – Gŵyl Arswyd Abertoir
  • 10.15 – Gŵyl Animeiddio Caerdydd
  • 10.25 Awen - Gŵyl Ffilmiau Cwm Llynfi (fideo)
  • 10.35 – Pwyntiau trafod, cwestiynau agored a mewnbwn gan westeion o wyliau eraill
  • 11.30 – Diwedd

Pryd / Ble:

  • Dydd Iau 3 Rhagfyr 2026 – Ar-lein (drwy Zoom)
  • 10am – 11:30am

Archebwch eich lle

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IMG 1969

Film Hub Members attend Hub Helo with bursaries

Film Hub Wales Members attended Hub Helo with help from FHW training bursaries.

Hub Helo is FHW’s annual event for Hub members. It offers an opportunity to catch up with exhibition colleagues and find inspiration in one another’s projects, through bitesize interactive sessions. Hub Helo in 2025 also included a preview screening of Madfabulous after the sessions.

The event took place at Y Muni with over 20 venues in attendance from across Wales. With help from Hub training bursaries, Hazel from Arts Alive / Flicks in the Sticks, Gareth from Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Akulah from Sheba Soul Ensemble and Laura from Volcano Theatre were all able to make the journey to Pontypridd.

Here’s what they told us about the experience:

“Rural cinema can sometimes feel isolated, so sharing experiences and solutions – from programming to audience development – provides a fresh perspective.” – Flicks in the Sticks

 

“The Hub Helo event came at the perfect moment in time, where we were contemplating putting together an audience engagement scheme in our venue… including a film screening made the event even more worthwhile… Given that people are travelling from all over Wales to attend these FHW events, additional activity like this maximizes the potential for programmers to come away with extra knowledge.” – Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Hub Helo offers an opportunity for funded projects to share what worked well, and what was challenging, with their peers. For venues like Volcano Theatre who are new community and independent cinema: “this was an invaluable opportunity to connect with others in the sector and to learn more about all aspects of screening.”

The event also brings Wales-wide exhibitors together to network, bounce ideas off one another and find out about the ups and downs of cinema that year: “the opportunity for networking was really great and Sheba developed some brilliant contacts which we intend to further over the coming months.” – Sheba Soul Ensemble

“So very frequently we can find ourselves in our own “silo”, doing what we know works, without having the inspiration from others and seeing what different venues are doing. It’s so rewarding hearing what other hub members are up to, and satisfying that our own venue can benefit from fresh ideas and inspiration.” – Aberystwyth Arts Centre

“We came away with new ideas and enthusiasm, a long list of films we’d love to programme, cinemas we’d like to visit and funding opportunities to explore. We are grateful for the bursary that allowed us to be able to send two members of staff to this event.” – Volcano Theatre

Hazel, Akulah, Gareth and Laura were able to attend Hub Helo in Pontypridd with the support of Film Hub Wales’ Bursary scheme. If you want to attend a meeting, course or event that would benefit your organisation and develop audiences but the costs are prohibitive, you can apply for support here.

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Cross Hands Public Hall And Cinema

Beautiful local cinema continues to strive to survive

1 October 2026.

Written by Dr Kirsty Bilski Trustee & Secretary Cross Hands Hall, Cinema and Community Centre

A small Community Charity called Cross Hands Hall, Cinema and Community Centre (Registered Charity Number 524018) who began life funded by the Miners institute, whereby the miners contributed a small sum from their weekly wage to create a community facility for all to enjoy.

The original building was built in 1904 and was further refurbished in 1932. The building was gifted to the community for recreational enjoyment and for the furtherment of charitable works to support the community. It has been hard going in recent years but they are striving forwards, they have a committed volunteer group who bring a multitude of individual skills to the team. They have been developing the repertoire of films, live performances, and events and their volunteers are full of enthusiasm, commitment and energy to support the development of future plans.

We are not only ‘surviving’ now but we are starting to ‘thrive’. Our volunteers, fundraisers and employees are dedicated to providing opportunities for the local community to come together, to mitigate against loneliness and isolation and to support our deprived community.

On 24th October they are planning a Family Variety Show in aid of the charity to raise funds for the upkeep of the building and to support their ongoing work. This will be a bonanza of a production, tickets are available either online or from the box office. Here is the link to the website where you can book tickets for the event: https://www.crosshandshallandcinema.co.uk/store/p/the-history-of-music-variety-show-part-2

This is an opportunity for the local community to support efforts to maintain this amazing charity for the future. Please come along for a warm welcome, some great entertainment and a chance to be a part of this special event to help secure their future. A fabulous line up and the promise of an enjoyable evening.

You can donate to the Cross Hand’s New Projector fund here.

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FEF 26/27 - Clockwise from top centre © Watch Africa, Chapter, Abertoir Horror Festival, The Magic Lantern, Pontardawe Arts Centre, Cardiff Animation Festival, Llangoed Village Hall, Cellb

Cyllid y Loteri Genedlaethol i gyrraedd Cymunedau Cymru gyfan drwy Sinema yn 2026

2 Medi 2026.

Mae Canolfan Ffilm Cymru (CFfC) wedi dyrannu bron i £170,000 o gyllid Loteri Genedlaethol y BFI i chwech ar hugain o sinemâu annibynnol, gwyliau ffilmiau a sgriniau cymunedol Cymru, drwy un ar hugain o brosiectau, a hynny drwy dri llinyn ariannu: Sbotolau, y Gronfa Arddangos Ffilmiau a Rip It Up.

Bydd arian yn gwneud gwahaniaeth i fywydau pobl leol, a fydd yn gallu gwylio'r ffilmiau annibynnol a rhyngwladol diweddaraf yn y DU ar stepen eu drws, am brisiau fforddiadwy. O ffilmiau amgylcheddol wedi'u curadu gan bobl ifanc, i dymhorau ffilmiau Cymreig sy'n dathlu 130 mlynedd o sinema yng Nghymru, gall cynulleidfaoedd gymdeithasu a chefnogi mannau poblogaidd yng nghanol eu cymdogaethau.

Yn Ne-orllewin Cymru, bydd prosiect tair blynedd newydd 'Sbotolau' dan arweiniad Gŵyl Ffilmiau Wales One World (WOW) yn datblygu dangosiadau ffilm cymunedol mewn trefi a phentrefi fel Llanbedr Pont Steffan, Hermon, Casnewydd a Chastellnewydd Emlyn lle mae cynulleidfaoedd gwledig yn wynebu teithiau trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus hir neu anymarferol i gael mynediad at ddiwylliant y sgrin.

Esbonia Amy Daniel, Cydlynydd Sbotolau pam y bydd y cyllid yn drawsnewidiol ar lefel leol: 

Byddwn yn mentora gwirfoddolwyr a llysgenhadon a fydd yn mynd ymlaen i siapio ac arwain darpariaeth sinema yn eu cymunedau, sy'n golygu bod y ddarpariaeth yn perthyn iddyn nhw. Byddwn hefyd yn cydweithio'n agos gyda chanolfannau sefydledig yn y rhanbarth i gyfnewid gwybodaeth ac adeiladu sinema sy'n mynd ar draws y siroedd cyffiniol, gan gefnogi mynediad at ddiwylliant yn ogystal â'r economi leol. Mae sicrhau cyllid ar gyfer prosiectau tymor hirach yn beth prin, ac mae hyn yn golygu y gallwn greu newid.

Mae pedwar ar hugain o brosiectau wedi cael eu cefnogi drwy Gronfa Arddangos Ffilmiau Canolfan Ffilm Cymru, o'r gymdeithas ffilm hynaf yn y Fenni, i strategaeth gynulleidfa newydd Galeri Caernarfon sy'n cynnwys clwb ffilm dan arweiniad y gymuned (SineGlwb) a Ffilms Er Newid a gyflwynir mewn cydweithrediad â grwpiau lleol. Yn Ystradgynlais, bydd llinyn ‘Screen Social’ y Neuadd Les yn chwalu rhwystrau cymdeithasol, iechyd, ariannol a rhwystrau eraill i fynychu'r sinema, ac, ar draws Cymru, bydd Labordy Hinsawdd Ieuenctid Sheba Soul yn annog pobl ifanc i ddeall gwreiddiau argyfyngau amgylcheddol drwy ffilm a dylunio camau gweithredu cymunedol syml, cydweithredol mewn ymateb.

Esbonia Hana Lewis, Pennaeth Canolfan Ffilm Cymru pam mae'r gwaith hwn mor bwysig:

Yn ogystal â dod â'r ffilmiau gorau i Gymru, rhywbeth sydd gan lawer o'n prosiectau a gefnogir yn gyffredin yw bod grwpiau cymunedol yn cymryd rhan weithredol wrth gyflwyno eu gweithgareddau sinema lleol. Megis y tymor 'cydweithrediadau cymunedol' yn Theatr y Torch sy'n rhedeg drwy gydol Mis Medi Ail Law a Mis Hanes Anabledd, neu waith curadurol Gŵyl Animeiddio Caerdydd gyda theuluoedd o geiswyr lloches ifanc a ffoaduriaid yng nghanolfan Oasis Caerdydd. Mae sinema annibynnol yn ffordd wych i bobl leol gymryd rhan mewn gweithgareddau creadigol yn eu milltir sgwâr. Mae eu lleisiau yn helpu i lunio cyfeiriad diwylliant yn y fan honno ac, yn gyfnewid, mae sinemâu yn cynnig gwasanaethau cymdeithasol a lles hanfodol sy'n lleihau unigedd ac yn cynhyrchu incwm lleol.

Hefyd yn ystod 2026 cynhelir Rip It Up - tymor RhCFf y BFI ledled y DU sy'n dathlu wyneb newidiol diwylliant a mynegiant ieuenctid ar y sgrin - o lawenydd a chyfeillgarwch i dor-calon a gwrthryfel. Yng Nghymru, bydd wyth partner yn cyflawni prosiectau hyd at fis Hydref 2026. Bydd gan Chapter, Caerdydd, dri llinyn gan gynnwys Hei, Mr Urdd! – detholiad o ffilmiau o Archif Darlledu Cymru sy’n dathlu diwylliant ieuenctid, gyda thrafodaeth yn Gymraeg. Yn Cellb ym Mlaenau Ffestiniog, bydd Fideo Hud yn 'troi'r sain i fyny', gan archwilio is-ddiwylliannau Cymru o fudiad Cool Cymru o'r 1990au i sîns creadigol ‘DIY’ sy'n dod i'r amlwg heddiw - gan gyfuno ffilm archif â gwaith ieuenctid newydd, dangosiadau, trafodaethau, cerddoriaeth fyw a gweithgareddau cyfranogol.

Esbonia Rosemary Adjoa Dery, Cynhyrchydd Gŵyl Ffilm Watch Africa, sut y bydd eu prosiect 'Young, Black & Bold' yn galluogi lleisiau ifanc Du Cymru i lunio dyfodol diwylliant ffilm:

Mae creu mannau lle gall pobl greadigol ifanc Ddu ddod at ei gilydd, gweld eu hunain yn cael eu hadlewyrchu ar y sgrin, rhannu syniadau ac archwilio eu creadigrwydd yn hynod o bwysig. Trwy'r rhaglen hon, rydym am wneud datganiad beiddgar: Mae straeon Du, lleisiau Du a chreadigrwydd Du yn bwysig yma yng Nghymru. Rydym yn perthyn i'r canolfannau diwylliannol hyn, a dylem deimlo ein bod wedi'n grymuso i gymryd ein lle ynddynt. Mae gweithio ochr yn ochr â sefydliadau o'r un anian, megis Pafiliwn Butetown a Charnifal Butetown yn ein galluogi i gysylltu gwahanol gymunedau, syniadau ac arferion creadigol, tra bydd ein partneriaeth â Chapter yn ein helpu i adeiladu pontydd at bobl nad oeddent efallai wedi teimlo o'r blaen bod canolfan gelfyddydau yn fan iddyn nhw.

Daw'r prosiectau ar adeg pan fydd cynulleidfaoedd Cymru yn cael cyfle i leisio’u barn, gan ddweud wrth Adran Diwylliant y Cyfryngau a Chwaraeon y Llywodraeth, yn union pa effaith y mae sinemâu yn ei chael ar eu bywydau drwy arolwg Achosion Da’r Loteri Genedlaethol: Ariannwch beth sy'n bwysig i chi , sydd ar agor tan 23 Medi 2026.

Cefnogir y prosiectau gan Ganolfan Ffilm Cymru, sy'n rhan o Rwydwaith Cynulleidfa Ffilm y BFI (RhCFf) sy'n dyrannu arian o gyllid Achosion Da'r Loteri Genedlaethol i sicrhau bod y dewis mwyaf posibl o sinema ar gael i bawb ledled y DU. Mae arian yng Nghymru yn cael ei weinyddu gan Ganolfan Ffilm Cymru drwy Chapter fel Sefydliad Arweiniol y Ganolfan Ffilm.

Mae mwy na £30M yn cael ei godi bob wythnos ar gyfer achosion da ledled y DU gan y Loteri Genedlaethol.

 

Darllenwch y datganiad i’r wasg llawn yma

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Effi 4 WEB

Ble Mae'r Sinema Gymraeg

By Nia Edwards-Behi 

Mae gan Nia doethuriaeth o Brifysgol Aberystwyth a’n gweithio i Archif Sgrin a Sain Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru. Mae Nia yn gyd-gyfarwyddwr ar Ŵyl Arswyd Abertoir, yn rhaglennu ar gyfer Gŵyl Ffilmiau Cymru a’r Byd yn Un ac yn cyfrannu’n rheolaidd at ddigwyddiadau a chyhoeddiadau sy’n trafod ffilm. Trwy gydol ei gyrfa mae Nia wedi arbenigo mewn materion cynrychiolaeth, cynhwysiant, a mynediad.

Er roedd rhai o arloeswyr y byd sinema yn gweithio yng Nghymru yn nyddiau cynharaf y cyfrwng, roedd hi’n 1935 cyn i’r ffilm Gymraeg gyntaf cael ei chynhyrchu, sef Y Chwarelwr (Ifan ab Owen Edwards), ac yna dros ddegawd yn ddiweddarach daeth y nesaf: Yr Etifeddiaeth (John Roberts Williams, 1949) a Noson Lawen (G. Mark Lloyd, 1950).

Rhai degawdau wedyn adnabyddodd rhai o fawrion y genedl pŵer y sinema yn y frwydr dros yr iaith, a sefydlwyd y Bwrdd Ffilmiau Cymraeg. Er eu hymdrechion arwrol yn y 70au a’r 80au – a oedd yn cynnwys y ffilmiau cwlt Gwaed ar y Sêr a O’r Daear Hen (Wil Aaron, 1975 & 1981) - prin oedd y gefnogaeth swyddogol ar gyfer eu gwaith.

Canrif ar ôl Y Chwarlewr a ffilmiwyd yn yr un filltir sgwâr Effi o Blaenausydd wedi’i chyfarwyddo gan Marc Evans a’i haddasu gan Gary Owen o’i ddrama lwyfan, Iphigenia in Splott.

Mae'r Gymraeg wedi derbyn rhywfaint o amlygrwydd cymharol ar y sgrin fawr yn ddiweddar iawn, diolch yn bennaf efallai i Gwledd (2021) ac Y Sŵn y ddwy’n gydweithrediadau rhwng y cyfarwyddwr Lee Haven Jones a'r awdur Roger Williams. Mae’n anarferol, serch hynny, bod Effi cyrraedd y sgrin fawr llai na blwyddyn ers i’r ffilm Gymraeg ddiwethaf fod arni - sef Tanau’r Lloer (Chris Forster, 2025). Y tro diwethaf i hyn ddigwydd, hyd i mi wybod, oedd degawd yn ôl, gydag Yr Ymadawiad (Gareth Bryn) ac Y Llyfrgell (Euros Lyn); a chyn hynny, 2008. Prin iawn yw’r cyfle i weld mwy nag un ffilm Gymraeg yn y sinema o fewn yr un flwyddyn, os hynny hyd yn oed.

Ers sefydlu S4C yn yr 80au, a’r statws swyddogol i hawliau’r iaith, mae’r pedwar degawd diwethaf wedi gweld beth sy’n teimlo fel tipyn o fwrlwm o Gymraeg ar ein sgriniau. Ond, mae’n deg i ddweud, y sgrin fach sy’n dominyddu, boed hynny’n deledu, cyfrifiadur neu ffôn. Fodd bynnag, rydym yn ffodus yng Nghymru bod cymaint o sinemâu annibynnol, rhai sy’n fodlon ac yn medru cynnal dangosiadau ‘arbennig’, one-offs, gan yn aml dyna’r unig ffordd o weld ffilmiau Cymraeg ar y sgrin fawr. Prin iawn yw’r ffilmiau Cymraeg sy’n cael eu rhyddhau’n eang gan ddosbarthwr ‘mawr’.

Mae yno golled i ddiwylliant pan nad oes modd gweld ei dychymyg ar y sgrin fawr. Falle i rai nad oes gwahaniaeth rhwng gwylio ffilm yn y sinema a gwylio cyfres ar eu ffôn, ond trist yw’r tyb hynny. Mae medru dod at ein gilydd, i wylio a gwrando ar ein hunain, yng ngofod sanctaidd y sinema yn brofiad nad oes modd ei ail-greu mewn mannau eraill, ta waeth pa mor dda mae ein systemau adloniant cartref.

Heb glywed y Gymraeg - yn ei holl acenion a thafodieithoedd - yn y sinema, mae yno syniad yn tyfu nad oes ffasiwn beth â ‘ffilm’ Cymraeg, taw nid lle i ni yw’r sinema. Mae yno wagle diwylliannol, i ni, ac i weddill y byd.

Nid un o Flaenau Ffestiniog ydw i, ond falle un fy hoff bethau am Effi, yn ogystal â’i stori afaelgar a pherfformiad disglair gan Leisa Gwenllian, oedd pa mor gyfarwydd oedd hi. O dwneli’r A55, i Doc Fictoria, i nain yn gwylio Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmol, i bob un gair o reg sy’n dod o geg Effi, mae’r ffilm, er ei thrasiedi (mae’n seiliedig ar arwres Roegaidd, cofiwch), yn gyfforddus.

Mae’r pleser pur o gael adnabod lleoliadau, cymeriadau, geirfa gyfarwydd mewn ffilm yn un heb ei hail. Ta waeth pa mor sinigaidd mae rhywun yn mynd, mae’r frisson o adnabod rhywbeth bach o’n hunain mewn ffilm yn bwysig. Mae medru gwneud hynny mewn sinema llawn o bobl eraill yn teimlo’n bwysicach fyth. Mae’n brofiad sy’n creu cymuned dros dro, yn y tywyllwch, ac sy’n arwain at drin a thrafod, at greu, ac at atgyfnerthu cymunedau yng ngolau dydd.

Effi o Blaenau yn dod i sinemâu ledled y DU o Fehefin 19, 2026, gyda'i première yng Nghymru yn Cellb  ar Fehefin 17.

Mae gan y ffilm nifer o gysylltiadau â Chymru gan gynnwys y cyfarwyddwr Marc Evans, y cynhyrchydd Branwen Cennard a chast yn cynnwys Leisa Gwenllian, Tom Rhys Harries, Owen Alun, Nel Rhys Lewis, Mared Llywelyn a Sion Eifon. Cafodd ei ffilmio ym Mlaenau Ffestiniog, Caernarfon a Phort Talbot ac fe'i hariannwyd gan Gymru Greadigol ac S4C.

Comisiynwyd yr erthygl hon gan Gwnaethpwyd yng Nghymru sy'n dathlu ffilmiau sydd â chysylltiadau Cymreig, diolch i gyllid gan Gymru Greadigol a'r Loteri Genedlaethol drwy'r BFI.

Cafodd yr erthygl hon ei chyhoeddi’n gyntaf yn Buzz Magazine.

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Untitled Design (13)

Why we can’t afford to lose Welsh Cinemas

By Hana Lewis, Head of Film Hub Wales, first published in Business News Wales

I spend a lot of time thinking and talking about the business of cinema going. I lead a project at Chapter Arts Centre called Film Hub Wales, one of 8 UK Hubs supported by the BFI Film Audience Network, awarding National Lottery funding. Our job is to fund, train and advise Welsh cinemas, film festivals and community screens.

Sometimes when I explain what I do, people ask me – ‘is the era of cinema not over?’ My answer is always the same. Absolutely not. In fact, in April 2026, cinemagoing in Wales celebrates 130 years, with sites like Neuadd Dwyfor (Pwllheli) approaching their 125th anniversary and Brynmawr Market Hall at their one hundred and thirty-second. Their time is far from over, in fact, they’ve evolved to the ever-changing needs of our communities and in many cases, become the heart of the high-street and local economy.

People are also often surprised to hear that we have more than 80 Welsh commercial, independent and mixed arts venues, with a commitment to cinema. In some other predominantly rural nations you might find one or two cinemas but not in Wales. The established venues largely follow the coastal path, meaning they play an important role for tourism. They might be one of only a small number of places open to holiday makers that show the cultural history of Wales, as well as offering entertainment services, from bars to cafés and special events. Their activities often benefit surrounding charities and businesses, such as hotels and restaurants.

It should be enough that they bring the best UK, including Welsh, and international film to audiences across Welsh doorsteps but they don’t stop there. Cinemas often offer a rare chance to work in the creative industries in both rural and urban parts of Wales. The Magic Lantern cinema for instance, develop the careers of young creatives in Tywyn. They also offer services such as food and companionship for vulnerable members of the community on national holidays. My local cinemas certainly didn’t offer this when I was growing up. The BFI and Creative PEC’s 2023 report which measured the economic value of cinema found that the estimated market benefits expressed through Gross Value Added to the UK economy, is £1.18m per cinema per year. Furthermore, each local UK cinema generates around £600,000 in added social value annually.

A series of wider reports, including the Pwyllgor Diwylliant, y Cyfryngau a Chwaraeon y DU and a Welsh Parliament Committee ar Ddegawd o Doriadau,, also recommended increased Government funding for cinemas to recognise the vital role they play at the heart of communities, as well as investment into wider cultural spending in Wales.

We literally can’t afford to lose these vital spaces but arguably, we continue to overlook their contributions. Our screen sector in Wales is a production focussed one. 2024 statistics from Creative Wales showed an annual turnover of £1.7 billion in that year alone. The Creative Industries are undoubtedly a powerhouse for Wales. Since 2020, £35 million in funding1 has been awarded to 74 screen and digital projects. Sustained funding for film exhibitors to engage with works such as these (as well as all their wider film programmes) is essential, to give films a chance of reaching audiences and making a return on investment.

If we fail to support our cinemas, this arguably has an impact on the future of Welsh film itself. How will audiences know to seek out these films and spend in local spaces, if we don’t invest in the mechanisms that enable them to be seen? With the support of the BFI and Creative Wales for our Gwnaethpwyd yng Nghymru,, we are working to explore how we can better promote Welsh films in cinematic environments. In our recent Future of Welsh Film Survey, 97% of filmmakers said it was important to them that their films are seen on a big screen but we have limited Welsh funds to support the distribution or marketing of films here. So cinemas have a big job to do. With around 26 films released daily worldwide, the competition for screen space is fierce. Cinemas have to work hard to balance the creative, cultural and economic decisions that keep their doors open.

Cinema admissions saw a 2% increase from 2023 to 2024 but have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. We can’t take them for granted. When we have impressive sites like the newly renovated Clwyd Theatr Cymru or Maesteg Town Hall to choose from, as well as cinema treasures like the Monmouth Savoy and Brynamman Hall, it’s hard to understand why we ever would. The Magic Lantern even brought home the BIFA UK cinema of the year award in 2025, beating over 130 UK entries. Never underestimate Wales, or the power of a cinema with a community behind it. In the words of our friend, colleague and Welsh cinema pioneer Emyr Glyn Williams, ‘cinema belongs to all of us’.

Hana is a film exhibition specialist, having led the Hub since 2014. Before this, she worked in exhibition for a number of organisations across the UK from Ffilm Cymru Wales to the Cinema Arts Network, Flatpack Film Festival and Leeds International Film Festival. She has an MPhil in American Film and literature from the University of Birmingham. Find out more about Film Hub Wales on their website.

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Magic Lantern

Independent Cinemas are the Heart of the Leisure Sector

By the Magic Lantern Cinema, Tywyn, first published in Business News Wales, 8th May 2026.

Independent cinemas are essential to the leisure sector and local economies but are also a critical part of the social and cultural fabric of our lives.

Here in mid-Wales, our community often reminds the Magic Lantern – through words, actions and spend, what we mean to them.

There are many fabulous cinemas across Wales and the UK, so we were hugely honoured to be selected as the first ever BIFA (British Independent Film Awards) ‘UK Cinema of the Year’ in November 2025. We were short-listed alongside 4 other UK cinemas and film industry representatives based their decision on information we supplied, as well as voter comments.

We received a massive wave of support and the second round of public voting brought the award home here to Tywyn on the west coast of Wales, giving a big boost to the town’s sense of place.

Our strong presence in Tywyn is felt not only through our bright and beautiful building but through the diversity and dynamism of what we offer visiting and local audiences.

Even before the BIFA award, people would frequently say how proud they felt of ‘their’ cinema, and new businesses in town say they have been inspired by our ambitious programme, improvements and innovations, building a strong year-round business from one that had previously focussed on tourists and school holidays.

We play a mix of films at the Magic Lantern, that in June for instance, will range from global blockbuster ‘Star Wars: Mandalorian and Grogu’ to independent films made in Wales, such as ‘Effi o Blaenau’ and classics such as ‘Back to the Future’.

Diverse films are the life-blood of an independent cinema, bringing a varied group of people through the doors, meaning we avoid dependency on one audience demographic and income. A creative programme also benefits our team spirit, staff retention and business profile.

Our team works to keep our cinema experience fresh. Screenings are often complemented with a talk or discussion, craft workshop or live performance – maybe even a beach-clean, a treasure-hunt, a circus workshop, a clothes swap, a chocolate tasting… or an appearance from a horse, a giant panda or a pantomime camel!

An essential part of the Magic Lantern experience is ‘connecting’. Community outreach and having staff who take time to chat a little is of the utmost importance to our audiences. In knowing they are valued, people feel connected. The ambience at the cinema is a highlight for people. Yes, we show great films and have great events, we serve wonderful cocktails and ice-creams plus lip-smacking snacks and treats – but the most talked about feature of the Magic Lantern is always the friendliness of the team. It’s a great place to meet and make friends!

Diverse income streams are important. People can buy our merchandise, or book us for birthdays, weddings and wakes. Venue hire at the Magic Lantern works well for large meetings – we have a fantastic screen for presentations!

We make the most of digital advances to bring in new audiences, booking fabulous theatre from NT Live, art from Exhibition on Screen (‘The Playboy of the Western World’ and ‘Frida Kahlo’ are next up) and incredible opera, ballet, pop concerts and musicals from a range of distributors.

We include a healthy selection of live performance in our programme – whether comedy, story-telling, theatre or our regular ‘Friday Night is Music Night’ which is free and provides an outlet for a whole realm of mostly home-grown musical talent. A monthly highlight of the ‘FNIMN’ is the Open Mic Night, which has offered many people – mostly young – their first opportunity to perform in front of an audience.

We are optimistic that our programme of celebrations for our 125th anniversary this year will draw local audiences but also tempt visitors from Wales and even further afield. They can enjoy our ‘throwback Thursdays’ during summer with classics like ‘Singing in the Rain’ or ‘Dirty Dancing’. Who could possibly resist our shoulder-season shenanigans as we create a piano jazz bar for a screening of ‘Casablanca’, an American Diner for ‘Grease’ and a beautiful experience around ‘The Adventures of Prince Achmed’ with a live score by Hugo Max!

People go to the pub over the road if they fancy a pint, book a meal at a local restaurant, or grab some lunch or a coffee and cake with friends at one of the great local cafes before or after a film. What is important is that local people come to town as a result of the Magic Lantern. They spend, they socialise and they know that Tywyn is a great place to visit, live and go out! Venues like ours breathe life into towns.

Find out more about The Magic Lantern.

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1000057549

Dyfodol Ffilm Gymreig: Podcast and Video Blogs

Mae Cymru yn dathlu 130 mlynedd o sinema yn 2026. 

Mae'r sgrin fawr wedi bod yn gartref i ffilmiau arloesol William Haggar ac Arthur Cheetham o'r 1900au cynnar, hyd at y ffilmiau diweddaraf fel Effi o Blaenau a Madfabulous.

rydym yn cynnal nifer o weithgareddau drwy gydol 2026 yng Nghanolfan Ffilm Cymru, gan gynnwys cyfres o flogiau ‘trysorau sinema’ sy’n edrych ar ein lleoliadau hanesyddol ac wedi’u hadnewyddu, ynghyd â phodlediad a chlipiau arbennig gan aelodau’r Ganolfan ar ‘ddyfodol ffilmiau Cymru’.

Press/film exhibitors can cysylltwch â ni for downloadable versions of all assets.

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Savoy Theatre, Monmouth © David Broadbent Photography

Wales’ Cinema Treasures

Mae Cymru yn dathlu 130 mlynedd o sinema yn 2026. 

In 1896, the first known cinema screenings took place in Wales. Mae'r sgrin fawr wedi bod yn gartref i ffilmiau arloesol William Haggar ac Arthur Cheetham o'r 1900au cynnar, hyd at y ffilmiau diweddaraf fel Effi o Blaenau a Madfabulous.

We’re​ ​​​​​​​running celebratory activities throughout the year, including this series of video blogs from Wales’ ‘cinema treasures’. Experience a guided tour of some of Wales’ great cinemas, from the newly renovated, to time-honoured classics that keep the art of film alive in Wales.

Press/film exhibitors can cysylltwch â ni for downloadable versions.

Paul O’Connor, Sol Cinema on 130 Years of Cinema in Wales

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This Is Welsh Film (6)

‘Dyma Ffilmiau Cymru’ Cymru’n Dathlu 130 Mlynedd o Sinema

14 Ebrill 2026

Mae sinemâu Cymru’n dathlu pen-blwydd arwyddocaol yn ystod y ​​s​​gwanwyn, gan nodi ​film ​130 mlynedd ers y dangosiadau ffilm cyntaf a wyddom amdanynt yng Nghaerdydd, fis Ebrill 1896.

Mae sgriniau mawr Cymru wedi bod yn gartref i ffilmiau arloesol Cymreig William Haggar ac Arthur Cheetham yn y 1900au cynnar ac ar hyd y blynyddoedd, hyd at ffilmiau newydd 2026, megis Effi o Blaenau a Madfabulous. 

I nodi’r achlysur,mae Canolfan Ffilm Cymruyn cynnal gweithgareddau drwy gydol y flwyddyn, gan gynnwys rhannu canlyniadau holiadur y diwydiant cyfan sy’n cyflwyno dyheadau’r diwydiannau sgrin yng Nghymru ar gyfer dyfodol ffilm yng Nghymru, a phodlediad Gwnaethpwyd yng Nghymru ar thema debyg. Bydd hefyd cyfres o flogiau ‘trysorau sinema’ sy’n cynnig cipolwg i gynulleidfaoedd ar ganolfannau ffilm hanesyddol a chanolfannau newydd eu hadfer, yn ogystal â rhestr o rai o’r ffilmiau mwyaf allweddol o Gymru dros y 13 degawd diwethaf, a fydd ar gael i’w dangos mewn sinemâu ar gyfer tymor ‘Dyma Ffilmiau Cymru’.

Mae Hana Lewis, Pennaeth Canolfan Ffilm Cymru, yn esbonio arwyddocâd y pen-blwydd hwn:

“Mae sinema wedi esblygu dros y 130 mlynedd diwethaf, gan adlewyrchu newidiadau mewn cymdeithas, ffyrdd o adrodd straeon a chofleidio technolegau digidol. Mae’n parhau’n hafan barhaus o ddihangfa, adloniant a chysylltiad. Mae nifer o ‘drysorau sinema’ i gynulleidfaoedd eu darganfod yng Nghymru, o’r Savoy yn Nhrefynwy i Neuadd Brynaman a mwy. Rydyn ni am wneud 2026 yn flwyddyn y sinema, er mwyn diolch i sinemâu am eu cyfraniad gwerthfawr i’n cymunedau, tra hefyd yn cydnabod rôl ffilmiau Cymreig a’n gobeithion ar gyfer straeon ar sgrin yng Nghymru. Yn ein holiadur diweddar i’r diwydiant, fe ddwedodd 97% o wneuthurwyr ffilmiau Cymru wrthym mor bwysig oedd dangos eu ffilmiau ar sgrin fawr, felly ni ddylid tanbrisio pwysigrwydd sinema i gynhyrchu ac i gynulleidfaoedd.”

Felly, ym mhle dechreuodd bopeth? Fe ddangosodd yr Americanwr Birt Acres ffilmiau’n breifat i Gymdeithas Ffotograffiaeth Caerdydd cyn mynd yn ei flaen i arddangos ei ffilmiau i gynulleidfaoedd ym Mharc Cathays, gan ragflaenu’r Brodyr Lumiere enwog, a ddaeth a’u ‘Cinematographe’ enwog i Neuadd Gerdd Ymerodraeth Caerdydd ym mis Mai 1896. Ym mis Mehefin y flwyddyn honno, fe aeth Acres ati i greu ei ffilm gyntaf yng Nghymru - Ymweliad Brenhinol Tywysog Cymru (yn ddiweddarach Edward VII) i Gaerdydd.

Mae ‘Dyma Ffilmiau Cymru’ gan Ganolfan Ffilm Cymru yn becyn o ffilmiau Cymreig sy’n rhychwantu 130 o flynyddoedd ac yn cynnwys 70 o ffilmiau, gyda’r cynharaf yn ymestyn yn ôl i 1898. Mae’r pecyn yn cynnwys un o’r ffilmiau sinematig mwyaf rhyfeddol o’r cyfnod, o’r enwConway Castle – Panoramic View of Conway on the L & N.W Railwaydrwy garedigrwydd Archif Sgrin a Sain Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru. Yn adnabyddus fel enghraifft o is-genre o ffilmiau o’r enw ‘phantom train ride’, fe ffilmiwyd y locomotif o dryc wrth iddo deithio drwy dwnnel ac allan i olygfa ysblennydd o’r Castell. Ymhlith y ffilmiau eraill mae’r ffilm gyntaf gyda sain yn y GymraegY Chwarelwra ffefrynnau megis The Proud Valley, Rhosyn a Rhith (Coming up Roses), Submarine, Gwledd a llawer mwy.

Fe ddatgelodd holiadur y diwydiant Canolfan Ffilm Cymru hefyd bod 87% o’r rheiny a atebodd yn teimlo nad oedd digon o ffilmiau Cymraeg eu hiaith yn cael eu creu a bod diffyg ffilmiau sy’n ymwneud â bywyd yng Nghymru. Felly mae’n bwysicach nag erioed edrych yn ôl ar rai o’r ffilmiau mwyaf dylanwadol a grëwyd yng Nghymru ar draws y blynyddoedd, gan hefyd ddiogelu diwylliant sgrin Cymru.

Ychwanega Annie Grundy o’r Magic Lantern, un o hoff sinemâu Cymru a fu ar restr Time Out o 100 sinemâu gorau’r byd yn ddiweddar, yn ogystal ag ennill gwobr Sinema’r Flwyddyn 2025 BIFA:

“Pen-blwydd Hapus yn 130 i’r sinema yng Nghymru - ac am flwyddyn gyffrous! Rydyn ni hefyd yn dathlu 125 mlynedd o ddangos ffilmiau yn y Magic Lantern - a elwir yn ‘Assembly Rooms’ yn wreiddiol - yn Nhywyn, Gwynedd. Fe lansiwyd ein rhaglen 125 ffilm ar 8 Mawrth, gyda sgwrs am hanes y ganolfan gan Chris Richards o’n tîm. Fel nifer o sinemâu gwych yng Nghymru, rydyn ni’n edrych ymlaen yn fawr at dymor ‘Dyma Ffilmiau Cymru’ a rhannu rhai o ffilmiau gorau’r archif gyda’n cynulleidfa. Mae mor bwysig i’n cymunedau weld eu diwylliant a’u treftadaeth ar y sgrin fawr.”

Gall cynulleidfaoedd nawr wylio hysbyslun tymor ‘Dyma Ffilmiau Cymru’, yn ogystal â fideos ‘trysorau sinema’ a darllen blogiau gan arddangoswyr ffilmiau a’u gobeithion ar gyfer dyfodol ffilm yng Nghymru. Gall cynulleidfaoedd hefyd fwynhau cyflwyniad cyflym ar Hanes Sinema Cymru drwy’r adnodd byr yma a grëwyd ar gyfer y tymor, darllen canlyniadau’r holiadur Dyfodol Ffilm Cymru (y diwydiant), a dilyn Canolfan Ffilm Cymru i gael newyddion ynglŷn â dangosiadau sydd ar ddod.

Darllenwch y datganiad i’r wasg llawn yma

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Annita + Laren (CAF)

WOW Wales One World Film Festival attends ICO: Developing your Sponsorship Strategy

Annita Nitsaidou from WOW was able to attend the Independent Cinema Office’s training course in London with help from our training bursary.

This short course from BFI FAN, provided practical steps to help festivals and exhibitors build a sponsorship strategy that can effectively build new financial partnerships. This in-person day was the third part of this course, with the previous two sessions being online.

“Attending the Independent Cinema Office’s Developing your Sponsorship Strategy training has shifted how I think about sponsorship: away from ‘help us fund things’ and towards ‘join us in making something meaningful happen.’”

Annita said that through the course she “learned how to clearly articulate WOW’s mission and audience impact in a way that resonates with external partners.” The course provided Annita with structure and guidance when thinking about approaching sponsorship opportunities for WOW festival’s specific rural audience. She came out more confident and strategically minded and is already implementing a new way of thinking surrounding her pitch materials.

The in-person day also provided Annita with an invaluable opportunity to network with other FAN members across the UK where she shared notes and honest ideas and feedback. Annita said “Overall, I returned to work with a sharper, values-led sponsorship approach that feels both more confident and more accountable to our communities.”

Darllenwch ragor am WOW.

Annita was able to attend this training course with the support of Film Hub Wales via our bursary scheme. If you want to attend a meeting, course or event that would benefit your organisation and develop audiences but the costs are prohibitive, you can request a bursary here.

 

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Film Hub Wales | Canolfan Ffilm Cymru
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