S4C reveals $181m investment in Welsh drama over past decade

Mudtown is among S4C’s recent Welsh-language dramas

Welsh-language pubcaster S4C has invested over £136m (US$181.8m) in drama in Wales over the past decade, according to figures provided by the broadcaster.

Recent S4C dramas include Cleddau (The One that Got Away), Y Golau: Dŵr (Still Waters), Ar y Ffin (Mudtown), Pren ar y Bryn (Tree on a Hill) and Anfamol.

Film Effi o Blaenau is now showing in cinemas to critical acclaim, setting a new record for the highest-grossing Welsh-language film of all time, according to S4C. The production was supported by S4C International (S4Ci)’s commercial content fund.

S4C’s dramas have also travelled internationally over the last 10 years, with Dal y Mellt (Rough Cut) the first Welsh-language series to be released on Netflix, while Bariau has reached audiences in Australia, New Zealand and the US after being sold to streamer Acorn TV.

S4C said it would continue to support Welsh-language film production in the coming years through the Sinema Cymru scheme, in partnership with the Welsh government via Creative Wales. The first film in the scheme is Lluest, which will be in cinemas next year.

The broadcaster has also invested in digital dramas including Yr Alwad – its first vertical drama, which has been nominated at the National Film Awards and the Digital Broadcast Awards.

New dramas set to broadcast over the next year include Y Streic Fawr and Santa Maria, S4C’s first drama to be produced in partnership with ITV Studios and S4Ci’s commercial content fund’s first equity investment in drama.

Gwenllian Gravelle, S4C’s head of film and drama, said: “In the past decade, S4C has helped transform the international profile of Welsh-language drama, connecting audiences worldwide with stories rooted in the culture, talent and creativity of Wales.

“This success is underpinned by S4C’s unwavering commitment to drama and by the strength of our partnerships across the industry. Through collaboration, investment and creative ambition, we continue to deliver distinctive, world-class productions that engage audiences at home and around the globe.”

Chief content officer Llion Iwan added: “S4C’s purpose is to reflect our world through the Welsh language, and drama gives us the freedom to be experimental and innovative and to see a variety of stories from across Wales told on screen.

“From tales as old as time to reflections of our modern world, the breadth of productions is a testament to the creativity of the Welsh production sector. As viewing habits evolve, so too does the style of our drama. But one thing is certain – drama is in safe hands.”