Calan Gaeaf Film Showcase
Since September, our Year 10 Creative Media students have been taking part in an exciting, real-world film project in collaboration with Wild Kindness Films, Partneriaeth Tirwedd y Carneddau (Carneddau Landscape Partnership), and supported by the Eryri National Park Authority. Over the course of 20 weeks, students have worked alongside industry professionals to create a collection of original short films inspired by the haunting Welsh folk tales of Calan Gaeaf (Winter’s Eve).
Guided by filmmakers Andy Pearson and Tom from Wild Kindness Films, students explored every stage of the filmmaking process – from scriptwriting and storyboarding to filming, editing, and promotional design. They also received invaluable support from Sophie Davies of the Carneddau Landscape Partnership, who helped them connect with the cultural and historical context of the landscapes they were working in.
Throughout the project, students have gained hands-on experience in filming, directing, makeup and costume design, and even sourcing their own potential filming locations. Every aspect of the production has been student-led, with teams taking full responsibility for bringing their chosen folk tales to life – creatively and professionally.
Filming has taken place both on the school site and in the stunning surroundings of Eryri National Park – from the pubs and graveyards of Penmachno to the train station in Conwy. These atmospheric locations provided the perfect backdrop for the students’ chilling tales, blending the mystery of Welsh folklore with the beauty and history of our local area.
Along the way, we’ve also had the help of some fantastic volunteer actors – fellow students who gave up their time to take on roles in front of the camera. Their energy, enthusiasm, and creativity helped bring each scene to life, and we’re incredibly grateful for their contributions.
No real filming experience would be complete without a few behind-the-scenes hiccups – including (but not limited to!) torrential rain, bitterly cold winter mornings, HGV vans parking on set, dog walkers interrupting shots, some over-enthusiastic train spotters getting involved, a few cases of tonsillitis, and even a student fainting on location! Despite it all, the students showed true resilience, teamwork and professionalism throughout – an achievement in itself.
The films were premiered on Wednesday 9th April in the Calan Gaeaf Film Showcase at the Conwy Culture Centre where many members of the public enjoyed watching them. As a school community, we’re incredibly proud to have worked with such passionate and skilled professionals throughout this project. Our heartfelt thanks go to Andy, Tom, Sophie and all involved. We truly hope to welcome them back next year for Round 2 – we’re already full of ideas!’
