Coveted award for filmmaker

SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Cwmni Fran Wen Apprentice and talented filmmaker Hedydd Ioan has been named as ‘One to Watch’ at this year’s “Oscars” for young British filmmakers on 11 November.

Hedydd, from Penygroes, Gwynedd, picked up the coveted award at this year’s ceremony, which was hosted by top comic actor and author David Walliams online.

It was due to take place on 18 March at the Odeon Luxe, Leicester Square, in London, but was postponed owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Into Film Awards seek to honour the most talented and innovative young filmmakers, reviewers and Into Film Clubs in the UK.

It also gives recognition to educators who use film as an education tool.

Welsh actors Rhys Ifans and Luke Evans presented awards at last year’s ceremony.

Hedydd’s love of filmmaking started at just seven years old, when he began making simple stories with his toys.

In 2015, aged just 11 years old, he took home two first prizes and a second place as well as the award for the youngster showing the most promise at the PICS Festival Awards in Caernarfon.

He has also been an Into Film young reporter and been a member of their Youth Advisory Council.

Since then, he’s gone on to form his own production company, Trac 42, and is currently getting paid for his projects, including music videos.

On hearing the news, Hedydd said: “It’s an honour to be chosen as one of the ‘Ones to Watch’ this year.

“I’m so glad for this chance to be able to develop what I love doing.”

Hedydd Ioan, winner of “One to Watch” at the UK Into Film Awards for 2020