North Wales proves ‘Creative Powerhouse’ reputation with four nominations at Into Film Awards 2025

Clocking up an exceptional four nominations, filmmakers from across north Wales – from Conwy, Penygroes, and Llandudno – will travel to London on 24 June to attend the prestigious Into Film Awards 2025.

 Of the 11 categories, Wales has received seven nominations in total – the highest number of nominations of any Celtic nation across the UK – ‘breaking the country’s record’ and demonstrating the strength of the film industry in Wales.

In Conwy, the creative collective Clandoodno Productions has achieved remarkable success with two nominations. Sixteen-year-old Araminta Stuart leads both projects Beware the Zoomies alongside Cole Kendall, Micah Hampton, and Ethan Tyrrell, and her solo work Tipping Point in the Time for Action category.

Honour

The Clandoodno Productions team said: “We’re so honoured to be nominated for this award. We’re so so excited and absolutely cannot wait for the awards ceremony. We’ve worked so hard on this film, so it’s so encouraging to have our work recognised and nominated for an award. It especially means a lot for those of us intending to have our careers in the film industry.”

Araminta Stuart reflecting on her solo nomination, said: “I’m so grateful to have been nominated for an Into Film Award. It’s given me the push I need to start working hard at my skills as a filmmaker, and reminded me that my dream of being a director is not a distant idea, destined to stay as a dream, but a real goal i can achieve if I put in the work that’s needed.”

From Penygroes in Gwynedd, four young filmmakers aged 9 to 10 years, from Clwb Ffilm Dyffryn Nantlle, have earned a nomination in the Best Film – 5 to 11 years category for their Welsh-language film Ynyr yr Ysbryd (Ynyr the Ghost). Briall Rhys (10), Celt Ynyr Owen-Williams (10), Elai Rhys Hill (9), and Fflur Jones (10) created this charming story about an unhappy ghost and what would make things better, working with mentor Hedydd Ioan over just three days.

Elai said she was “excited – making films is so much fun!”. Fflur added “Brilliant! It was fun to learn about acting and filming, and using the camera and sound equipment”.

Meanwhile, in Llandudno, Steve Swindon from TAPE Community Music and Film has been recognised as a Filmmaking Champion for his outstanding work with young people with additional learning needs at Ysgol y Gogarth. Steve has supported pupils to set up their own production company, Hope Productions, demonstrating the power of inclusive filmmaking.

Steve Swindon said: “Winning this award is incredibly special as my role is simply to be a creative advocate for the ideas and ambitions of the young people I get to work alongside. Being a supporter for the realisation of their amazing ideas and boundless enthusiasm is a genuine privilege. I am committed to creative inclusion and encouraging new ways of working in order to give as many people as possible, the opportunity to have their ambitions and ideas heard and explored.”

All nominees will attend the star-studded, red-carpet event at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London on Tuesday 24 June, hosted by actor, presenter and author, Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE.

Commenting on the young people’s success, Minister for Culture Jack Sargeant, said: “Wales is showing itself to be a powerhouse of young creative talent, as can clearly be seen by the record-breaking number of Welsh nominees this year.

“Creative Wales is committed to building on the momentum of productions like Havoc or Mr Burton to secure a bright future for Welsh filmmaking, developing sustainable pathways from school projects to international productions. The exceptional stories these young people are telling today represent the next generation of talent who will continue to build Wales’ growing influence in global creative industries. Pob lwc bawb!”

This recognition comes at a pivotal moment for Wales’ film industry, following the recent success of Havoc (the Netflix action thriller starring Tom Hardy and the largest feature film ever shot entirely within Wales) and Mr Burton, produced with financial support from BBC Wales and Ffilm Cymru Wales, in partnership with Creative Wales.

The diversity of Welsh nominees this year is particularly noteworthy, with young filmmakers from urban to rural communities, representing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Animated Voices, created by young people from ethnic minority backgrounds in Cardiff, explores their personal experiences of life in the UK, while Mariupol offers a powerful perspective on the war in Ukraine through the eyes of a displaced individual.

Thriving ecosystem

Non Stevens, Head of Into Film Cymru, who wants to work more with Creative Wales to support a thriving film ecosystem extended from major international productions to nurturing young grassroots talent, said: “We’re thrilled to see diverse young Welsh voices achieving record-breaking recognition at this year’s Into Film Awards. These nominations represent communities across Wales and tell stories that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of our nation. At Into Film Cymru, we believe in creating opportunities for all young people, regardless of background, and these nominations demonstrate the power of inclusive filmmaking.”

She added: “From Penygroes to Cardiff, from animation to documentary, these young creators are telling authentic stories with exceptional creativity and technical skill. The record number of nominations this year not only reflects growing confidence and talent but also shows how film education can inspire the next generation of Welsh storytellers who will build on our current industry success.”

The Awards, sponsored by the UK film industry celebrate young people’s creativity in film, showcasing and highlighting the wealth of tomorrow’s creative talent. Other categories include Best Film – 12 to 15 years (Sponsored by Paramount Pictures); Best Story (Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios); the Audience Choice Award (Sponsored by Universal Pictures International); and Ones to Watch – (Sponsored by EON Productions).

This year’s Awards received an unprecedented number of film entries from every corner of the UK, with compelling and timely stories for young people including mental health, the war in Ukraine, gender identity, neurodivergence, multiculturism, the potential harms of AI, feeling disconnected and isolated in modern society, nature conservation, immigration and identity, looking after an unwell parent, the need to stop scrolling on social media, and much more.

All nominations showcase the phenomenal breadth and depth of young filmmaking talent across the UK, but particularly in Wales.

This is a glitzy afternoon ceremony, which has previously been attended by some of the biggest stars in the industry, including Luke Evans, Rhys Ifans, as well as Daniel Craig, Gemma Arterton, Bill Nighy, Simon Pegg, Martin Freeman and Naomie Harris.

For more information about Into Film, visit https://www.intofilm.org