The 9 Best Welsh-Language Films To Watch
Howdy, language learners!
Do you want to watch films and learn Welsh at the same time? Of course, you do! It just so happens that watching Welsh-language movies and TV shows is one of the best ways to improve your language skills.
You’ll not only get to hear how Welsh is spoken in everyday life but also get a taste of the country’s culture, humor, and way of thinking.
Now, as you might expect, there aren’t that many Welsh-language films out there. You’ll see a longer list of Welsh movies, but most of those are in English.
So because we’re awesome like that (if we do say so ourselves), we’ve put together a list of 9 of the best Welsh-language films that you can watch to improve your Welsh skills.
Let’s go!
Patagonia
“Patagonia” is a heartwarming drama about life in the Welsh-speaking area of Argentina.
The story follows Gwen and Rhys, a young couple struggling to conceive, as they travel to Patagonia hoping to reignite their relationship.
There, they meet Mateo, their local Welsh-Argentine guide, who helps them discover the rich history of the Welsh settlement in Patagonia.
Cerys, an elderly Welsh-Argentine woman, is also on a journey to Wales to discover her roots. She brings along her agoraphobic young neighbor Alejandro, who finds romance with a local girl named Sissy.
“Patagonia” is a beautiful film about love, loss, and healing set against the stunning backdrop of the Argentinean landscape.
Watch Patagonia movie on Amazon!
Branwen
Set in 1990 Wales and Northern Ireland, “Branwen” is a powerful drama that interweaves love, religion, and politics.
The title character is Branwen, a language campaigner who is equally fluent in Welsh and Irish. Her brother Mathonwy is a member of the British Army, while her husband Kevin is an active member of the IRA.
The film follows the complicated web of relationships between these three central characters, as they deal with the sectarian violence of the time.
“Branwen” is a moving exploration of the human capacity for love and violence, and the ways that politics can tear families and communities apart. The film is primarily in Welsh, though you will hear some English and Irish throughout.
Cameleon
Set in 1942, “Cameleon” follows the story of Delme Davies, a young man who joins the army in search of adventure. When he unexpectedly returns home, he must hide from the military police in the attic of his home.
To stay hidden, Delme moves from house to house, spending time with each family and adopting their ways. As he gets to know each family, he begins to see the beauty in their everyday lives.
“Cameleon” is a heartwarming story of family, friendship, and finding where you belong.
Yr Ymadawiad
“Yr Ymadawiad” (“The Passing” in English), is a Welsh-language thriller that tells the story of Iwan and Sara, two young lovers whose car crashes in the remote mountains of Wales.
They are taken in by Stanley, a stranger who lives on an abandoned farm. As Iwan and Sara try to piece together what happened to them, they begin to realize that Stanley may not be who he seems.
“The Passing” is a suspenseful movie that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you’re looking for a film with twists and turns, this is the one for you.
Rhestr Nadolig Wil
“Rhestr Nadolig Wil” (aka “Wil’s Christmas List”) is a sweet, magical story about an 8-year-old boy who helps Santa Claus after the jolly man crashes into Wil’s barn a week before Christmas.
Wil and his grandfather John work together to save Christmas, and along the way, they discover the meaning of family, love, and giving.
This delightful film is perfect for the entire family to enjoy during the holiday season.
Cysgod Rhyfel
If you’re a fan of documentaries, “The Shadow of War” is a must-watch.
This film explores how war can take a toll on soldiers both mentally and emotionally, as well as the effects it has on their families.
Through interviews with four ex-soldiers, we learn about their personal experiences serving in Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Iraq, and Afghanistan. We hear about the challenges they faced both during and after their time in service, and how those experiences have shaped their lives.
With dramatic sequences mixed in with talking head footage, “Cysgod Rhyfel” is a powerful and moving film that will leave you thinking long after it’s over.
Eldra
Based on a true story, “Eldra” is a heartwarming film about a young girl who learns to find her place in the world.
Eldra is a free-spirited girl who loves nature and has a wild imagination. When she goes to stay with her grandparents in a small Welsh village, she quickly catches the eye of two brothers, Robat and Taid. With her gypsy-like ways, Eldra starts to turn their small world upside down.
“Eldra” is a charming film that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
Tylluan Wen
“Tylluan Wen” (White Owl) is a Welsh-language thriller set in the small town of Llan Ffestiniog. It is an adaptation of Angharad Jones’ novel “Y Dylluan Wen”.
The film follows Martha, a young mother and wife who travels to Llan Ffestiniog from Ireland for revenge. Martha masquerades as a musician to get close to her old primary school headmaster, Ifor Preis, whom she believes is responsible for her father’s death.
As Martha gets closer to Ifor and his family, she sets out to destroy his life, which ultimately leads to tragedy.
“Tylluan Wen” is a dark tale of vengeance, filled with twists and turns, that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Feast
“The Feast” is a dark, Welsh horror film set in beautiful, rural Wales.
In an attempt to broker a business deal, a wealthy family invites a local businessman and farmer to dinner in their remote home in the Snowdonian mountains. A young woman arrives to serve them as the waitress, and it quickly becomes apparent that something is very wrong.
As the dinner party descends into madness, the guests realize they are about to eat their final meal…
“Gwledd” is a suspenseful, gory horror film that will keep you on the edge of your seat right the way through.
These are just a few of the great Welsh-language films that are out there. Do bear in mind that, while most other Welsh movies are in English, you will hear some Welsh spoken throughout, so it might also be worth checking a couple of those out, too.
And if you’re interested in learning some more Welsh, check out our post, Welsh Proverbs with Illustrations, Audio, and English Translations.
