S4C in Wales enters into teen spirit with drama Hafiach from Vox Pictures

North Wales-set teen drama Hafiach

Welsh public service broadcaster S4C is gearing up to launch teen drama Hafiach, featuring largely unknown actors and focusing on issues faced by modern-day young people.

Produced by Vox Pictures and funded by Creative Wales, the series launches on S4C on June 4 and will be available as a boxset on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer.

Inspired by nationwide discussions with teenagers, Hafiach explores subjects such as refugee experiences, murder and relationship turmoil.

Set in Rhyl and Prestatyn, Hafiach is aimed at viewers aged 13 and above. The cast features actors chosen from hundreds who took part in nationwide workshops led by Welsh performers Mali Harries (Hinterland) and Shelley Rees (Pobol y Cwm).

Llyr Morus, executive producer, said: “We ran workshops in schools across Wales and asked 12- to 15-year-olds what concerned them most. Two themes came up again and again: immigration and the climate crisis. This marked the beginning of creating a relevant, powerful and modern story.”

Sioned Geraint, education and children’s commissioner at S4C, said: “This is an important drama for us for young people 13-plus and I hope we see more commissions for this age in the future.”