A short-film competition has been launched to boost Welsh-language cinema across the country.

The Ceredigion-based film and TV production company Amdani has announced the Welsh New Wave competition.

The initiative is aimed at emerging filmmakers in Wales, with the goal of producing and distributing an outstanding Welsh-language short film.

Aspiring filmmakers are invited to submit their entries until November 18.

Once the submission window closes, a jury will announce the three finalists in December.

They will join a talent development programme, and an ultimate winner will be chosen in spring 2025.

The winning film will be produced and distributed by Amdani.

The competition accepts applications in both Welsh and English.

While the winning film will be in Welsh, the competition encourages entrants of all levels of Welsh proficiency.

The jury includes S4C’s drama commissioner, Gwenllian Gravelle, National Eisteddfod's Archdruid, Mererid Hopwood, and seasoned film producer, Huw Penallt Jones.

Ms Hopwood said: "I’m delighted to join The Welsh New Wave as part of a project that aims to promote new Welsh filmmaking.

"I’m looking forward to hearing the voices of new storytellers who can narrate – through film – a work that is irresistibly compelling.

"Rather like poets, I imagine the creators will need to practice the art of the succinct, and hope to leave the listening viewer with new memories that entertain and enable new understanding."

Mr Penallt Jones said: "I am proud to support The Welsh New Wave as a judge.

"By creating short films in Welsh, we provide access to Welsh stories and language, preserving the rich history of oral literary tradition while embracing a modern visual medium.

"This competition offers a platform to share your stories with the world, experiment with your ideas, and, most importantly, receive constructive feedback that will help you develop your craft."

To support entrants, Amdani hosted a series of workshops in September.

Aimed at those with a budding interest in film storytelling, the workshops were held in Aberystwyth, Cardigan and Lampeter.

They focused on storytelling, pitching, and communication skills.

Among the attendees were students from Coleg Ceredigion’s Creative Media course.

Sophia Bechraki, a lecturer in media at Coleg Ceredigion, said: "As part of their course, students are required to work to a professional standard to develop and pitch ideas, and so it was useful for them to gain insights and tips from those working in the industry.

"Students left feeling inspired to submit applications for the competition."

The Welsh New Wave has received £39,173.44 funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by the Cynnal y Cardi Team for Ceredigion County Council.

Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: "We are thrilled to support Amdani’s launch of The Welsh New Wave short-film competition.

"This initiative not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of Wales but also provides a unique platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent in the Welsh language.

"By nurturing new voices and fostering creativity, we are ensuring that the tradition of Welsh storytelling continues to thrive in modern cinema.

"We look forward to seeing the innovative and inspiring films that will emerge from this competition."

Amdani, established in 2018 by director Amy Daniel, is an Aberystwyth-based film and TV production company.

Known for its commitment to Welsh-language cinema and sustainable filmmaking, Amdani has received recognition at international festivals and is dedicated to promoting Welsh culture through film.

Through support from Media Cymru and in partnership with Aberystwyth University, Amdani is pioneering a sustainable approach to filmmaking in Wales.

Amdani's mission is also to elevate Welsh-language films to global audiences, fostering a vibrant Welsh-speaking creative community.