Red carpet for Bollywood film based in Wales
FILM stars and sport stars flocked to Llanelli last night for the glamorous premiere of a new Bollywood film.
Hundreds of people walked the red carpet at the Ffwrnes to enjoy Jungle Cry, which features scenes shot in Llanelli.
Stars from the film, including Julian Lewis Jones and Emily Shah, made their entrance – and there was even an appearance from Hollywood actor Mena Massoud, who starred as Aladdin in Disney’s live adaptation last year.
Welsh rugby internationals and brothers Jonathan and James Davies showed their support, alongside former Scarlets, Wales and British Lions fly-half Phil Bennett, who makes a cameo appearance in the film.
Bollywood Hollywood Production chose Carmarthenshire for the first Welsh screening of its new film, with the rugby scenes filmed throughout Wales.
The film is based on the story of 12 underprivileged and orphaned children from Kalinga Institute in India’s Odisha region, following their triumphant journey to the International Junior Rugby Tournament held in the UK in 2007. The rugby scenes featured in the film were filmed in locations in Wales including Bridgend and Swansea, with the match final filmed at Parc y Scarlets. Cinema-goers can also keep an eye out for international referee Nigel Owens, who also makes an appearance.
Carmarthenshire council, University of Wales Trinity Saint David and the Scarlets joined the project as brand partners, with the council hosting the exclusive premiere.
The council’s executive board member for culture, sport and tourism, Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths, said: “It’s an honour to host the Welsh premiere of Jungle Cry at Y Ffwrnes.
“We have been delighted to support the making of this film, which is based on a remarkable true story.”