National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Y Chwarelwr
Slate is the lifeblood of Blaenau Ffestiniog, but its dust can be deadly, with a painful legacy for family and society
From the collection of:
Overview
The first Welsh language ‘talkie’ (sound on separate discs), this drama portrays aspects of the quarryman's life in Blaenau Ffestiniog - work, home, chapel, courtship - and indicates the importance of education to the younger generation. The story highlights the hardships and tough choices that were part and parcel of life in such a society, alongside its cultural vibrancy and community spirit.
Llechwedd Quarry, Blaenau Ffestiniog, was the location of this landmark film by Ifan ab Owen Edwards (scripted by John Ellis Williams, director of Blaenau’s amateur drama group whose members made up the cast). The film toured north Wales to great acclaim. Seen here is the original film – its fourth reel of images missing (covering life after the father's death), although the sound and script are held by NSSAW. Following the Archive's restoration of the incomplete original, TV company Cwmni Da recreated the last reel and made a new soundtrack for the whole film, which is also available to view. *To enable English subtitles for this film, once playing select CC in the video playback bar (at the bottom of the screen) and select Closed Captions = On.*
Related
The Roof over Your Head The Roof over Your Head
Documentary 1937 19 mins Location: Blaenau Ffestiniog
The hazardous, hair-raising journey of Welsh slate - from subterranean rock to the world’s rooftops
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.