Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language – in the Senedd at 2:39 pm on 8 January 2020.

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Photo of David Melding David Melding Conservative 2:39, 8 January 2020

Minister, if I could turn to domestic production, it's now been 27 years since a Welsh language film was nominated for an Oscar; Hedd Wyn, in 1993, and a very fine film it is. And of course, this can be a key part of our international strategy in portraying to a modern Wales the vital Welsh language culture that we do enjoy here. Now, during the Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee's inquiry into this area, there was a perception that Welsh language films were commercially unviable, which made it hard for producers to secure financial support. There was also criticism about the bureaucracy involved and many people complaining about how frustrating that was, legally restrictive, and other requirements were described as onerous. But, I think the international strategy allows us really to capitalise on these sorts of things as well. And is there not scope for the Welsh Government to do much more to promote Welsh language film making for the international arthouse audience, which could have huge benefits for how people around the world perceive Wales? And indeed, that audience tends to contain many, many opinion formers and decision makers.