Film and TV

Mid Wales, offers stunning landscapes and historical sites that have occasionally served as filming locations for various films and TV shows. Here are a few instances where Mid Wales has been featured:

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Doctor Who:

The iconic British science fiction series "Doctor Who" has frequently utilized the picturesque landscapes of Wales, including Mid Wales, as settings for its episodes.

The Brecon Beacons, with their rugged and diverse scenery, have provided a dramatic backdrop for various outdoor scenes. The ability of Mid Wales to transform into otherworldly landscapes aligns perfectly with the show's penchant for utilizing unique and visually striking locations. From ancient castles to expansive moorlands, "Doctor Who" has integrated the natural beauty of Mid Wales into its storytelling, contributing to the show's rich tapestry of locations across the UK.

 

The Dark Knight 

Christopher Nolan's 2012 superhero epic, "The Dark Knight Rises," starring Christian Bale as Batman, boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Michael Caine, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, and Marion Cotillard. Not only is it Nolan's highest-grossing film, but it also secured its place as the seventh-highest-grossing film of all time upon release in 2012. 

Of particular note is the external waterfall scene of the Bat Cave, shot at the breathtaking Sgwd Henrhyd falls on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

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Young Winston

"Young Winston," the 1972 British adventure drama war film directed by Richard Attenborough, unfolds the early years of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Filmed partly in Pen-y-cae in the Brecon Beacons National Park, the movie stars Simon Ward as Churchill, supported by a distinguished cast including Robert Shaw, John Mills, Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft, and others.

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The Edge of Love (2008):

The Edge of Love" is a drama film that delves into the lives and relationships of poet Dylan Thomas and those around him. Starring Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, and Cillian Murphy, the film includes scenes filmed in the coastal town of New Quay, Ceredigion. The quaint charm of New Quay adds an authentic touch to the period setting, and the film showcases the region's coastal beauty and historic allure.

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An American Werewolf in London 

"An American Werewolf in London" (1981) is a horror black comedy directed by John Landis. While not filmed directly in the Elan Valley, it was shot in the moors around the Black Mountains in Wales, capturing the eerie atmosphere required for this cult classic. The tiny village of Crickadarn near Builth Wells doubled as East Proctor in the film.

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Restoration 

"Restoration" (1995), a historical drama directed by Michael Hoffman, stars Robert Downey Jr. and was partly filmed at Tretower Court in Crickhowell, Wales. The film, based on Rose Tremain's novel, won Academy Awards for art direction and costume design.

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Second Best 

"Second Best" (1994), a British drama directed by Chris Menges, tells the story of a lonely Welsh postal worker who adopts a troubled ten-year-old boy. Filmed largely in Knighton, the movie stars John and William Hurt.

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Hinterland (2013-2016):    

"Hinterland," known as "Y Gwyll" in Welsh, is a critically acclaimed crime drama series that unfolds against the atmospheric backdrop of The Cambrian Mountains. 

The series follows Detective Chief Inspector Tom Mathias as he navigates complex criminal investigations. What sets "Hinterland" apart is not just its gripping narrative but also its masterful use of the region's landscapes. From the windswept coastline to the rugged hinterlands, the show captures the essence of Mid Wales, making it an integral part of the series' visual storytelling.

 

 

"The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill But Came Down A Mountain" (1995), directed by Christopher Monger, was filmed in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant and Llansilin in Powys. Starring Hugh Grant, Tara Fitzgerald, Ian McNeice, and Colm Meaney, the film is a charming tale set in 1917 about English cartographers measuring a Welsh village's “mountain."

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You Should Have Left 

"You Should Have Left" (2020), a psychological horror film directed by David Koepp, stars Kevin Bacon and Amanda Seyfried. Filmed at various locations in Wales, including the Life House in Llanbister, the movie explores eerie occurrences during a couple's vacation in Wales, providing a contemporary cinematic touch to the region's filmography.

 

 

Pobol y Cwm (1974-present):

"Pobol y Cwm," a Welsh-language soap opera produced by the BBC, has been a fixture in Welsh television since 1974. The series is set in the fictional village of Cwmderi, located in Mid Wales. Over the years, "Pobol y Cwm" has become a beloved part of Welsh culture, exploring the lives and dramas of its characters against the backdrop of the scenic and culturally rich landscapes of Mid Wales.

 

And of course there’s the inspiration that Mid Wales has had on poets, authors and artists 

From Dylan Thomas to Arthur Conan Doyle Mid Wales, with its diverse landscapes and historical settings, has become an integral part of storytelling within the arts. 

 

The region's unique character, from its coastal vistas to its rural hinterlands, provides creatives with a canvas that enhances the narratives, making Mid Wales not just a backdrop but a character in its own right.