Expanded Film Programme Comes to Wrexham
FOCUS Wales Film Festival will return to Wrexham from 7 to 9 May with a larger film programme and a new feature competition. The change marks a major step for the festival, which has traditionally focused on short films, live music and industry events.
This year, feature-length films will screen at Odeon Wrexham. Meanwhile, short films will continue to run at Grove Park Theatre. In total, audiences can expect around 90 short films across the three-day programme.
Festival producer Robert Corcoran said: “This year our film festival has expanded to include a feature film competition at Odeon, alongside 90 short films and several panels. It’s going to be a big one.” He added the festival will include “many international films too”, alongside leading Welsh productions.
Welsh Films Lead the Competition
Two Welsh-made films, Effi o Blaenau and Madfabulous, will headline the first feature competition.
Effi o Blaenau has already gained strong reviews, including a four-star review from The Guardian. Meanwhile, Madfabulous premiered at BFI Flare and will screen in Wrexham before its wider release.
Corcoran said the success of Welsh films shows how stories from Wales can now reach wider audiences. He explained that the festival wants to create opportunities for films to “launch, connect and travel”.
Director Celyn Jones said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to screen Madfabulous at the brilliant FOCUS Wales Film Festival.” He added that screening the film in North Wales before its full release was especially important because it allows local audiences to connect with the project first.
Leighton Cox by Wowzers Photography
Short Films and Industry Support
Alongside the new feature section, the short film programme remains a major part of the festival. For example, audiences will be able to watch Flock, a Welsh production supported through Film4’s Future Takes initiative. In addition, the programme includes films backed by BFI Doc Society and The Uncertain Kingdom.
As a result, the line-up highlights the growing support now available for filmmakers working in Wales. The film programme also sits within the wider FOCUS Wales festival, which includes live music and industry conferences across Wrexham city centre. Therefore, the event continues to bring together filmmakers, musicians and creative professionals from across the UK and beyond.
The festival receives support from organisations including Ffilm Cymru Wales. Consequently, organisers believe the event reflects the continued growth of Welsh filmmaking and the rising profile of Welsh-language cinema.
Further information and ticket details are available through the official FOCUS Wales website.
Feature image by Luka Goddard.
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