BAFTA-qualifying Welsh film festival announces new competition
The FOCUS Wales Film Festival runs from 7th - 9th December, and its new competition marks an ambitious look forward for Welsh filmmaking.
Date published: 9th Apr 2026
BAFTA Cymru-qualifying FOCUS Wales Film Festival has revealed the launch of a new competition. The inaugural Feature Film Competition, which debuts with FOCUS Wales Film Festival's upcoming run from Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th December, marks a significant expansion of FOCUS’ international ambitions and a further commitment to showcasing Welsh storytelling on a global stage.
Two Welsh productions screening as part of the competition are Effi o Blaenau - a one-woman narrative that re-imagines a Greek tragedy within a social-realist Cardiff setting - and Madfabulous - a 19th century historical drama chronicling the lavish life of the Marquess of Anglessey - and have both garnered critical acclaim and press buzz.
Feature Film Competition nominee Effi o Blaenau
Madfabulous director Celyn Jones called the news of the upcoming screening “an honour and a privilege… Our film is set in North Wales, made in North Wales, and I’m from North Wales. It brings great joy to celebrate its beginnings with its community, ahead of its general release.”
Festival producer Robert Corcoran added, “When films like Effi o Blaenau and Madfabulous begin to break through, it demonstrates that Welsh stories can resonate far beyond their place of origin. Our ambition with FOCUS Wales is to build an international festival where those films don’t just screen — they launch, connect and travel. A platform that truly brings the world to Wales, and Wales to the world.”
Festival producer Robert Corcoran
The festival, which takes place in Wrexham, will additionally present 90 short films at the historic Grove Park Theatre, and aims to establish a sustainable pipeline for Welsh filmmakers while promoting Wrexham as a hub for international cinema. The festival will also feature a music programme and industry conference.
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