The fourth round of Ffilm Cymru Wales’ Beacons short film scheme is now open for applications.

Funded through Ffilm Cymru’s BFI Welsh Talent Network, Beacons invests in emerging writers, directors and producers from Wales to develop bold and unique voices, explore diverse forms of cinematic storytelling, and establish flourishing careers as feature filmmakers.

Emerging Welsh talent that have previously been awarded Beacons funding have since progressed to making their debut features with Ffilm Cymru; Rungano Nyoni won a BAFTA award for I Am Not a Witch following its world premiere at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, Catherine Linstrum shot supernatural drama Nuclear in Snowdonia this summer, and Ryan Hooper is currently in production on the ‘first West-Walian Western’ The Toll.

Last year’s Beacons round produced a diverse slate of short films, including Welsh-language drama Baich from theatre director Mared Swain, Rhiannon Evans’ charming animated comedy Clockwork, and rural thriller Dirt Ash Meat, Sion Thomas’ adaptation of a short story by celebrated Welsh poet and author Owen Sheers.

This year, between five and seven short films will be funded, with awards ranging between £5,000 and £15,000. Films can be up to 15 minutes in length, made in any genre or technique, including animation, documentary, Virtual Reality and 360° filmmaking, and may be in English, Welsh or a mix of languages reflecting the rich heritage and cultural diversity of Wales.

Kimberley Warner, Ffilm Cymru’s Head of Creative Business, comments: “Beacons is our best opportunity to discover the next wave of exciting Welsh filmmakers; we’re looking for filmmakers with a strong point of view and a cinematic eye, and not necessarily a formal background in film.”

The deadline for applications is 5:30pm on 28th September 2018.

Full details on eligibility and the application process can be found in the Beacons guidelines and you can download application forms here.