Credit: Marie Francesca
Welsh Talent With Record 2024 Into Film Awards Nominations
Welsh filmmaking talent is set to shine at this year’s Into Film Awards, securing a record number of nominations. The star-studded event will take place on Tuesday 25 June, at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London, celebrating its 10th anniversary of recognising young filmmakers aged 5-19. This prestigious event provides a platform for youth to express their creativity and voice through filmmaking, highlighting stories that matter to them.
In a notable achievement, young filmmakers and champions from Aberystwyth, Merthyr Tydfil, Llandudno, Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, and Cardiff have secured nominations across five of the nine categories. These include Best Animation – 11 and Under, Best Animation – 12 and Over, Best Film – 12-15, Best Film – 16-19, and Filmmaking Champion. With hundreds of entries from across the UK, the nominated Welsh films stand out for their exploration of pressing issues like climate change, mental health, and technology reliance, showcasing the remarkable talent and perspectives of Wales’ young filmmakers.
Find out more about the awards at intofilm.org/awards
Cardiff Author Debuts Novel on Epilepsy and Social Struggles
In a brand-new release set against the vibrant backdrop of Cardiff, author John Alex Taylor’s novel Apples in the Dark delves into the profound effects of epilepsy on social confidence. Drawing from his personal experience with the condition, Taylor provides an intimate portrayal of how epilepsy skewed his expectations and social interactions during his formative years. The novel, which is the first in a series focusing on love, loyalty, and mutual support, highlights characters whose abilities outshine their disabilities. The much-anticipated book is still hot off the press, as it was only published on June 28, 2024.
John is a seasoned professional in social care who has spent most of his life working with adults with learning disabilities. His storytelling skills, honed through his career, have naturally evolved into his writing. Despite not pursuing it seriously until he was fifty, the craft has since become a pivotal part of his life. Taylor reflects on his journey: ‘I developed Epilepsy when I was 12 or 13, and it wasn’t fully controlled until my late twenties. Both the condition itself and the effects of my medication constrained my life when my peers were taking flight. I’ve seen no novels which portray the impact on a person’s social confidence of having epilepsy. Although the characters are fictional, the experience is mine, when younger, and so it is truly ‘own voice’ fiction about a hidden disability.’
Grab yourself a copy from johnalextaylor.com/apples-in-the-dark/
Let Them See Cake Launches Ice Cream Garden
In an exciting new collaboration, everyone’s beloved patisserie Let Them See Cake has teamed up with Llanfaes Dairy to offer an unparalleled ice cream experience. With over 25 years of expertise in crafting hand-mixed artisan ice cream from their flagship store in Brecon, Llanfaes Dairy brings a rich heritage of quality and flavour to this delicious venture.
The collaboration features unique creations that blend the best elements of both businesses, ensuring a distinctive and memorable treat for customers. The much-anticipated ice cream garden trailer Parlwr Hufen Ia – a must-visit destination for dessert lovers – debuted a few weeks ago, delivering a delightful fusion of Llanfaes Dairy’s celebrated ice cream and the signature flair of Let Them See Cake.
Take a peek at the tasty treats you can expect on their Instagram @letthemseecake
