Soundtrack International Film and Music Festival scores again

All film and music buffs get ready for a week of sheer bliss as Soundtrack International Film and Music Festival takes over Cardiff for 5 days.

It's going to be hard to top last year's bill which included such high profile guests as Slumdog Millionaire Director, Danny Boyle and renowned Welsh actor, Jonathan Pryce but they've done it again! From Wednesday 18 November to Sunday 22 November, the festival, which takes place in various venues around Cardiff and the Bay area will be welcoming some very special guests...

2009's event will see musical legend, composer and artist, John Cale return once more to Wales. Cale, who was born in Garnant near Ammanford, made his name as the co-founder of iconic New York art-rock group, The Velvet Underground in the 1960s before forging a highly successful solo career as a producer and performer, before making the leap into the world of composition for film.

Cale who represented Wales at the Venice Biennale earlier this year, returns to the Captial to celebrate his career as both a composer and solo musician through two very special events. On the 20th November, John Cale will take part in an 'In Conversation' event where he will discuss his film work before a screening of the cult favourite, 'American Psycho' (for which he provided the score) at Cardiff Cineworld.

The following evening, November 21, Cale will perform a special concert at the newly reopened Coal Exchange venue in Cardiff Bay. For the first time ever, Cale will perform his seminal solo album, 'Paris 1919' in its entirety, backed by his LA based band and a large compliment of backing musicans.

Also appearing live at Soundtrack '09 will be Cardiff psych-rockers, Super Furry Animals, who will perform at the Coal Exchange as part of a special series of events celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic Creation Records label. The band will perform tracks from their years on the label on the 20 November.

Gruff Rhys, SFA's frontman will also be making his debut as a film-maker with the premiere of his new film, 'Separado' at Cineworld, Cardiff on November 19. Separado is a psychedelic western musical in which Gruff takes us on a pan continental road trip in search of his long lost Patagonian uncle, the poncho wearing guitarist, Rene Griffiths. The film will be followed by a Q and A session with Gruff, his co-director Dyl 'Goch' Jones and the Guardian Journalist and author, Will Hodgkinson.

This is just a taster of the great events on offer at this year's Soundtrack Festival. For more information, please visit the website: www.soundtrackfilmfestival.com

Film Agency Wales, which organises the festival, is supported by Arts Council of Wales.

Photograph: John Cale at the Venice Biennale (c) British Council

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Documentary film and animation work screened at Brighton Student Film Festival Awards

The Department of Film and Media at Lampeter University is delighted to hear that that work by its Media Production students has been chosen for screening at the Student Film Festival Awards in Brighton, which run from 13 - 15 November 2009.

Commenting on the announcement, Trevor Harris, Course Leader in Media Production, noted, "This is the first year that work has been entered by the Department into a film festival outside of Wales, which makes this recognition even more impressive. Work had been entered into two categories, documentary film and animation, with two entries for each award. It is fantastic that all four of the entries have been selected for screening."

The documentary work that is being screened includes OCD: a hidden illness by recent graduate Ashley Williams, currently working as the Media Producer at Northampton Football Club, and Carers: a secret service, a film by current MA students. Each film has already had significant recognition, with Ashley having been a finalist at Ffresh 2009, whilst the Carer film has the distinction of being the subject of an Early Day Motion in Parliament!

The animation category includes two pieces from Lampeter, both involving Cathrin Howells, who is currently studying an MA Media Production course. Her experimental work with animation and light writing has been used to great effect in a full length music video for the artist Mikal and his You're the one track. The second piece is Cathrin's delightful experiment in characterisation using light, creating a magical encounter with Tinkerbell.

MA Media Production student Richard Jackson collaborated on the Carers: a secret service film and also with Cathrin Howells on the MIKAL video. Both Richard and Cathrin were also involved in the team that produced the carers film. Along with Helena Park and Chris Carbin, Richard is attending the festival and running a publicity stand at the event on behalf of the university. We wish all of our student the best of luck at the festival!

For more info about Media Production contact:
Trevor Harris, Department of Film and Media, University of Wales, Lampeter, College Street, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 7ED. Tel: 01570 424781

Photograph: A still from Ashley Williams' OCD: a hidden illness documentary

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Swansea's Zombies!

An acclaimed Swansea film maker is coming home to screen his hit £45 movie and talk to fans.

Marc Price, the director of cult zombie flick Colin, will be giving a special free showing of his movie at the city's Glynn Vivian Gallery on Friday November 27.

The movie, rated 18, was made for just £45 and was praised at the world renowned Cannes Film Festival.

It follows Colin the Zombie as he stumbles around suburbia looking for his next feed and was shot using a handheld camera.

Some of the effects used included grinding pasta shells to recreate the noise of breaking bones, slamming a toolbox against a cupboard to make car crash sounds and mixing golden syrup with red food dye to make fake blood.

A broad daylight zombie versus human street battle and an epic housebound siege are among the scenes in the movie.

Marc shot the film on location in Swansea and London.

The screening at the Glynn Vivian will be the only one of its kind in the UK and Marc will be on hand from 1pm to discuss the film-making process and to give some background to the idea.

Swansea Council runs the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "A huge variety of events and exhibitions is organised at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery to appeal to all ages and interests and the special screening of this innovative film is sure to attract many fans.

"It will also give aspiring film-makers tips from a director who's been internationally recognised and shows you don't necessarily need to invest a huge amount of money to make a movie.

"It should be a fascinating insight into the film-making process."

Have a look at www.glynnviviangallery.org for more information or call 01792 516900.

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Galeri, Caernarfon's third film festival for children, 'PICS 3' opens this weekend

Galeri, Caernarfon will be holding its third film festival for children and young people in November.

The PICS 3 festival, which is being officially opened by Alun Ffred Jones - the Minister for Heritage and Assembly Member for Arfon today, offers a wide range of activities, workshops and film screenings for children and young people.

The festival, which runs between 6 and 8 November, opens with the premiere of 'Cylchoedd Rownd y Byd', a brand new animated film produced by children and staff of Ysgol Pendalar, Caernarfon. The film is a result of a 2 week project organised by Galeri and led by animator Meical Roberts, chaired poet Mei Mac and musician Gronw Roberts.

Other activities and workshops will include:

Film Challenge (for ages 15+)
Eilir Pierce will assist seven youngsters to script, film and edit a horror film in less than 24 hours - with the film premiere on the Sunday evening.

Stop-motion animation Workshops (for ages 8+)
Carolina Vasquez will lead youngsters through the important steps of creating a short stop-motion animation film.

Welsh language Short films (for ages 7-12)
A collection of Welsh language shorts for children - with a variety of dramas, animation, horror and comedy shorts.

Acting for film (for ages 10 -16)
Professional actress and writer Bethan Marlow (from Bethel, Caernarfon) will explain the techniques, skills and cheats that the big movie stars use - how to laugh/cry on camera, how to learn lines quickly and even what to do with your hands!

Make up for Film Workshop (for ages 12 +)
Learn more about the art of make up for the screen with local make up artist Annie Maycox.

Red Carpet Night
The first chance to se two new films created by SBARC! Members plus the Horror Film premiere (film challenge).

The film showings will include Drømmen (We Shall Overcome), Persepolis, Sounds Like Teen Spirit, Ice Age 3 and Twilight.

For further information contact Galeri's Box Office on 01286 685 222 or visit the festival website www.gwylffilmpics.com Galeri is supported by Arts Council of Wales.

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Masterclass in Film Making with Lu Chuan

As part of the China Classic Film Festival, Lu Chuan, one of China’s highest-profile directors is visiting University of Wales, Lampeter to give a master class on film-making prior to the screening of his award winning film, City of Life and Death in Aberystwyth Arts Centre, at 8.15pm.

Coming to Wales straight from its UK premiere at the 2009 London Film Festival, City of Life and Death is an important new film from one of China’s highest-profile directors. It caused controversy on its release in China for what some felt was an overly sympathetic por­trayal of Japanese troops during the infamous Nanjing massacre. A powerful, unglorified war film - not for the faint-hearted.

Winner, San Sebastien Film Festival 2009 - Best Film, Best Cinematography.
“A page of madness in history re-envisioned with level-headedness and technical virtuosity”
- HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

“Disturbing, moving and ultimately hauntingly profound”
- TIME OUT

China Classic Film Festival
Master Class with Chinese Film Director, Lu Chuan
Simon Horrocks, (Humanities and Social Sciences, UWL)
Neil Macfarlane (Project Manager, China Classic Film Festival)

Friday 30th October 2009
2pm – 4pm, Cliff Tucker Theatre, UWL

For more information, please contact Neil MacFarlane at pg185@lamp.ac.uk

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Rhys gets Nice role - sneak preview of Howard Marks film

It's kind of match made in heaven stuff isn't it?

The world's most famous hash slinger and possible spy turned writer, bon viveur, raconteur, drugs reform campaigner, SFA album cover star and all round lovely crinkly faced wise old Welsh man, and our most famous actor, sometime rock singer, former SFA member, who has been known to enjoy a good time and, Welsh Icons is brave enough to speculate, may even have partaken of a recreational cigarette of his own at some point.

Movies being what they are now - desperate for money - the viral marketing for Mr Nice, the story of Howard Marks with Rhys Ifans in the Nice role, has started with an extended trailer on Youtube.

Directed by Bernard Rose who is best known for Candyman and Immortal Beloved, the film also stars David Thewlis - wielding an industrial strength Ulster accent - and Chloe Sevigny - wielding her lovely self.

It looks lovely to me and the soundtrack should be interesting and, hell, it's a damn fine story with a damn fine actor, so we'll see what two Welsh Icons on celuloid come up with. The closest to a release date we've been able to find is February next year.

Welsh Icons in no way condones anything, ever.

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Sound Affairs celebrates 20th birthday in style

Described by Photoplay magazine in 1923 as “a hothouse orchid of decadent passion”, Salomé is one of the most extraordinary and bizarre silent films to come out of Hollywood in the 1920s.

Now, in a tour marking the 20th birthday of Cardiff-based Sound Affairs, it is to be screened at five venues across Wales with a new score specially written by Charlie Barber - performed live in dramatic fashion by four percussionists playing from two giant towers flanked on either side of the silver screen.

Adapted from the controversial play of the same name by Oscar Wilde and costing a staggering $350,000 to make, Salomé was produced by and starred the flamboyant Russian actress, Alla Nazimova, one of the most famous stars of her day. Her aim was to create a bold and experimental work that would raise the artistic level of American films.

However before it was even completed the film was surrounded with the whiff of scandal as rumours took hold that Nazimova had insisted on an all gay and bi-sexual cast in honour of Oscar Wilde. Their melodramatic, highly stylised performances added to the film's notoriety and the major studios refused to touch it. After sitting on a shelf for a year, it received a limited release in 1923, but conservative 1920s audiences weren't ready for something so different and it flopped, almost bankrupting Nazimova in the process.

In recent years however, Salomé has increasingly been acknowledged as ahead of its time, in many ways, one of the first arthouse films. Designed by Natacha Rambova (the future Mrs Rudolf Valentino) the extravagant costumes and striking art nouveau sets, inspired by Aubrey Beardsley's black and white illustrations for Wilde's original text, are visually stunning whilst the forty two year old Nazimova's performance in the title role is remarkable.

Charlie Barber's score is inspired by traditional Arabic percussion ensembles with much of the writing based on the fixed rhythmic patterns in Arabic music, many in unusual time units such as 7, 10, 13 or 19. Some 30 instruments will be played during the performance including the Sistra (originating from ancient Egypt) the Djembe (a traditional African drum) and Tibetan singing bowls. A CD of Barber's score is due to be released by Sound Affairs mid September.

For further information contact:
Cathy Morris 029 2019 0176
morris.c@ntlbusiness.com

or visit www.soundaffairs.co.uk

Welsh Tour Dates:
PONTARDAWE Arts Centre 21 October 7.30pm
PWLLHELI Neuadd Dwyfor 22 October 7.30pm
HOLYHEAD Ucheldre Centre 23 October 7.30pm
NEWPORT The Riverfront 30 October 7.30pm
CARMARTHEN lyric Theatre 7 September 7.30pm

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Special film and concert performance in Machynlleth

Renowned world music outfit The Kate Doubleday Band is staging a very special film and concert performance on Saturday 19th September at The Tabernacl, Machynlleth.

Local singer-songwriter and community gardener Kate Doubleday has recently won an award from the Arts Council of Wales to develop "Free-Falling" - a new body of work which focuses on migration, movement and wildlife.

She will be performing a preview of this new work with her band and special guest star Jamie Smith, the highly talented accordionist from the acclaimed Celtic Band Mabon.

"Kate's songs are like world music on an intimate scale" - Propergander Magazine.

One of the songs will be accompanied by a beautiful animated film created by magical Cardiff-based animator Virginia Head.

Kate sings of love, family and nature, weaving together strands of Celtic folk, blues and African influences. They are partly based on her experience working at RSPB Ynyshir, and the therapeutic community garden in Machynlleth.

She will also sing songs from her recent acclaimed album "Belonging" - which has a distinctive and innovative sound intertwining hypnotic vocals, kora and bass to give a rich and tender tapestry.

"Kate's one of the most imaginative of the current crop of singer-songwriters. Her music is strongly spiritual, beautiful and inspirational, intelligently conceived and executed."... "compelling listening"..."has the eager exploratory nature of a Kate Bush." - Propergander Magazine

"A superb album" - Acoustic Magazine

Her band features the wonderful talents of Trevor Lines (Double bass), Dan Wilkins (Guitar and Kora) Lydia Glanville (Percussion) and Pamela Pinnock (Vocals).

"A spiritual soundtrack for the soul" - NetRhythms

The concert is at the MOMA Tabernacl, Machynlleth. at 7.30pm. Doors open 7pm Concessions £6 Others £7.

This is supported by the Arts Council of Wales.

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Grease is the word in Bargoed

Budding Pink Ladies and T Birds will get the chance to sing along to their favourite songs from Rydell High next week when the hit movie Grease comes to the big screen in Bargoed.

On Friday, 4th September the popular outdoor cinema event returns to Hanbury Road Car Park to screen the iconic 70s musical. The evening promises to be a great night for cinema and music enthusiasts alike with the love story of Sandy & Danny and well known songs such as 'Hopelessly Devoted to You' and 'You're the One that I Want'.

It is three years since the Greater Bargoed Community First Partnership joined with the Tourism Unit at Caerphilly County Borough Council to bring open-air cinema to Bargoed.

Since then, and with the great support of local associations, groups and individual volunteers, the Big Screen has shown six films. These have included the blockbuster, Mamma Mia that drew in a massive crowd of over 1,200 people and popular children's films such as Shrek and Happy Feet.

These evenings have provided great entertainment for the whole family and the next event will be no different. Bring your picnic, blanket and chair and sit back and enjoy the open-air cinema experience in Bargoed.

Entry to the car park is free; an adult must accompany children under 12. Catering, popcorn, sweets and ice cream will be available. Hanbury Road car park is a short walk from both the bus station and the railway station. The car park will be closed to all vehicles, but parking is available at the other Bargoed car parks. The film screening starts at 8.30pm and for more information, please contact Caerphilly Visitor Centre on 029 2088 0011.

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Awards for cinematic teens at International Youth Film Festival

E3+ students in Rhondda Cynon Taf have been showing off their movie making skills this month and scooping top awards at the International Youth Film Festival in Cardiff.

The students from Bryn Celynnog and Treorchy Comprehensive Schools have been busy over the last year working with Hugh Griffiths, who runs filmmaking workshops with E3+.

The students from Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive - Zoe Williams, Ellie Herbert, Tomos Gapper, Jade Williams, Stephanie Railton, Courtney Rowlands, Josh Cole, Nicola Rogers, Lyndsey Rogers, Emily Carter, Ethan Baker, Alex Knill and Aaron Cumper set about creating a sci-fi extravaganza exploring the dangers of the competitive world. The young people named their film Buzz!Buzz!Buzz! – A high school and scooped the Best International Student Film Award during the festival.

This film also won first place in its age category at the Zoom, Young Filmmakers Awards back in January this year.

The young people from Treorchy Comprehensive - Bronwyn Ellis, Matthew Leon, Jazmin Williams, Ethan Gwyn and Ellen Bowen created a satire film based on media health scares. It was set in a post apocalyptic school and called The Message. The students won the prestigious award for the Best UK short film.

The students’ prizes were awarded by celebrity, actor and writer, Boyd Clack, who recently appeared with Faye Dunaway in horror film Flick and writes and stars in BBC programmes Satellite City and High Hopes.

Hugh Griffiths, E3+ Film Workshop Tutor, said: "I’m really pleased for both the groups. They totally dedicated themselves to their films, producing some slamming work, and they thoroughly deserve their awards. I always look forward to the E3+ filmmaking sessions. With the kids’ boundless imagination and energy, I find it easy to get caught up in the creative maelstrom and it is often hard to discern who was the teacher and who was the pupil."

Councillor Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: "Its really good to see young people doing so well in activities like this and winning awards at an international level! I am pleased that they are able to have the opportunity to be involved in filmmaking and the creative industries, which could open opportunities to allow them to follow this career path. Well done!"

Minister for Children, Education Lifelong Learning and Skills Jane Hutt, who attended and presented an award at the event, said: "I am delighted to have been invited to attend and present an award at the International Youth Film Festival Awards.

"The Festival plays an important role in showcasing the work of talented young filmmakers from around the world. The films, videos and moving images staged during this festival have been diverse and inspirational. I am certain that the work produced this year will enthuse and motivate other budding independent filmmakers across the world."

If you would like to find out more about E3+ activities taking in place in your area or school call 01443 744010.

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Calling budding filmmakers for National Lottery 'Viral Nation' Competition

Are you a budding filmmaker? Do you think you can come up with an idea for a viral video that would appeal to millions of people across the UK?

Would you like to work with a team of experts to see your idea produced into a viral video that gets spread across the internet for everyone to see? Would you like to win a JVC digital Camcorder?

The National Lottery want to see your idea for a film that shows how Lottery funding has changed your life, or those in your community, for the better.

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, The National Lottery is launching a nationwide search for a unique viral idea. Since its launch in 1994, National Lottery players have raised £25 million a week for Good Causes across the UK, with grants given out across the arts, sport, heritage, charities, health, education and the environment. These grants have changed people's lives for the better, and had a positive impact on communities all across the UK.

All submitted ideas will be reviewed by an independent judging panel, made up of digital and industry experts (including film director Nick Hamm, CEO of Viral Video Chart Scott Button, and Gail Egan of Potboiler Productions).

The judges will be looking for creative, simple, thought-provoking films, rather than ideas for lavish or overcomplicated productions. They will pick their top five ideas, and these five finalists will then have to 'sell' their ideas to the public with a short film which will be uploaded to YouTube and Vimeo, where the public will vote. The idea with the most votes from the public wins.

The winner will then work alongside an award-winning digital agency and film director Nick Hamm, on a one-day shoot with a film crew, lighting, wardrobe, hair and make-up, to turn the winning idea into a viral video. The viral video will then be distributed across the web, and the winner will also receive a JVC GZ-MS120 Silver Camcorder, which makes uploading videos to YouTube even easier with a "one touch YouTube upload button", for simple and almost instant upload to the web.

Simply describe your one-minute viral video idea in 300 words or less, using our downloadable entry form which you can find on the National Lottery website: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk The deadline for entries is 5pm on Monday 14 September 2009.

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Holywell film-maker's work selected for prestigious international screenings

A new short-video by a Holywell based artist recently exhibited at Arts Council of Wales and Bala National Eisteddfod's art space, Y Lle Celf, has been selected for two additional international screenings.

Artist, Stefan Gant's short film, 'Song for the Auction Caller' 2009 has been selected to be screened at the Bio Roxy, 'Video Art Screening', Sweden and 'Waterpieces 2009', Latvia.

The video portrays three livestock auction callers, filmed in Mold Auction, North Wales and supported by a specially arranged piano and choir accompaniment by Rhiannon Lloyd Ellis. Combined, both music, visual and the sound of the auctioneers pitch creates a new spectacle and a strange final ceremonial twist takes place before the animals go to slaughter...

This is quite a coup for Steffan who is currently working as a Film, TV and Media Lecturer at Southport University. This year, 'Art Video Screening' received 345 submissions from all over the world and the standard was very high. On the 17th October there will be 3 screening programmes showing 29 videos from 15 countries including China, USA, Germany, Spain, UK and Sweden. 'Art Video Screening' has also been invited to curate a screening programme for the International Video and Contemporary Arts Festival, 'Waterpieces 2009', Riga, Latvia. 'Song for the Auction Caller' can be seen in Riga, Latvia on September 6 2009.

For more information visit:
Bio Roxy, Orebro, Sweden screening: www.artvideoscreening.se/screening09.htm

International Video and Contemporary Arts Festival, Waterpieces 2009, Riga, Latvia: www.noass.lv/index.php?lang=en&page=1

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Bilk's here for busy September at St Donat's Arts Centre

NO sooner have the actors from the Globe cleared up after their season-launching performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream than another busy month's events from St Donat's Arts Centre kicks off.

From September 3 - 24, Cowbridge photographer and teacher Glyn Evans's From Penarth to Porthcawl celebrates the nearby Glamorgan Heritage Coast and the sports and pasttimes it so well lends itself to.

September 6 - 12 is the Vale of Glamorgan Festival. This year is the 40th Birthday of an event that celebrates living composers and the focus is on Welsh and Australian new music.

The Soltice String Quarter perform with harpist Eleanor Turner to open the festival at Fonmon Castle on September 6 with an 80th birthday tribute to Australia’s Peter Sculthorpe. With a stunning spread of locations hosting some wonderfull performances this is a festival worth supporting.

September 11, at the Arts Centre, Tea Dance with Alan Taylor.

September 13, sees Acker Bilk (pictured) and his Paramount Jazz Band take over Bradenstoke Hall, 6pm is Pimms O'Clock for a pre-show drink.

September 15 is the first of the centre's popular matinee concerts, with the Keith Little Trio Café Concert. Features coastal views and free tea to accompany your 1930's and 40's style swing.

Thursday, September 17. One day course, Watercolour Painting at St Donats with peter Cronin.

Saturday, September 19, Introduction to Photography with a Digital Camera with Glyn Evans.

Mondays from September 21 to November 23. Ballroom and sequence dance classes with Alan Taylor, 10 week courses.

On September 26 you can peruse the best Welsh Contemporary art with a glass of Champagne and then if you buy anything in the auction you can feel good about supporting a good cause. The charity auction starts at 7.30pm.

Tuesday, September 29, 7.30pm and Wednesday 30, 1.30pm, 7.30pm. Screenings of Doubt with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep. Free tea and cake with film.

See St Donat's Arts Centre for full details and booking. Visit Welsh Icons Calendar to plan your days and nights out wherever you are in Wales.

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Wales's first screen star in new documentary

THERE is an old joke: What was the Welsh's greatest contribution to world history? They discovered America - and they kept quiet about it.

The legend of Madoc ap Owain Gwynedd and the Welsh speaking Native Americans aside, there is a large and lively Welsh diaspora in the United States and the Left Coast Eisteddfod is hosting some wonderful Welsh events this month - they even have a Tom Jones impersonators group, which is a lot of chest hair to be dealing with, even in the World's only superpower.

One of the most interesting is Kelvin Guy's film: Desert Padre, the search for Gareth Hughes.

Guy's film is already an award winner and tells the story of his search for the story of his extraordinary ancestor Gareth Hughes - Llanelli-born stage and silent screen star and latterly a Christian missionary among Native Americans. Like so many Welsh emigrants, he satisfied his hiraeth by returning home to Llanelli in his dotage.

Guy's ultimate aim is to see Hughes honoured with a star on Hollywood boulevard. It's an extraordinary tale and while, unless you're leaving on a jet plane to Oregon, you're not going to see it yet, do check out the websites and if you run a film festival or television channel in Wales - why not book or schedule it? You know it makes sense.

Here's Kelvin's preview clip.




And you can see Gareth Hughes at 4:13 in this clip about a notorious Hollywood murder.

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Swansea Al Akbar as Twin Town rides again

THE Twin Town team are back together for a sequel which sees the 'twins' - played by Rhys Ifans and brother Llyr - returning from Morocco to their beloved Swansea.

The 'Welsh Train Spotting', set fire to a fair few picture-postcard stereotypes in launching Ifans on his way to the top and remains a cult classic with a particularly rabid following in its native land. A very strong and largely Welsh ensemble also featured Welsh Icons like Brian Hibbard.

Director Kevin Allen - brother of Keith, Uncle of Lily and father of rising Swansea City start Joe - hopes the screenplay will be well on the way by this Autumn and explained that interesting title.

"It just means Swansea is great. They love Swansea. They have converted to Islam and they love Swansea City. They are not fundamentalists at all. They have just converted to Islam," he said.

Much of the original cast will be back in action as the brothers come home for the funeral of Mr Mort - Ronnie Williams who played him in the original tragically took his own life soon after the film's release.





Title sequence from the Twin Town, 1997.

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