08 October 2013

Aberystwyth is to host the world première of the long awaited international detective drama series Y Gwyll / Hinterland, on Thursday, 17 October.

In an evening at the Old College building in Aberystwyth, the first public screening of Y Gwyll / Hinterland will give people from the local community the chance to enjoy the opening episode in full, ahead of its S4C broadcast on Tuesday, 29 October 9.30pm (English subtitles). Among the guests are some hundreds of people who were part of the production – from those who ensured that the area's stunning locations were seen on screen, to students who benefited from mentoring during the filming.

Among those attending the Aberystwyth event is the lead actor Richard Harrington, who plays the hero DCI Tom Mathias. Richard is a familiar face appearing in many dramas including Pen Talar on S4C, and the BBC's Lark Rise to Candleford, Bleak House, Spooks, Midsomer Murders and Silent Witness.

He'll be joined by co-star Mali Harries, who plays DI Mared Rhys. Mali is also known for her role in the BBC's The Indian Doctor. Some other main cast members will also attend; Hannah Daniel and Aneirin Hughes, who is from Ceredigion, along with the production crew.

Y Gwyll / Hinterland was filmed entirely in Ceredigion, with Aberystwyth at the heart of the drama. The town was therefore a natural choice as a venue for the première.

Gwawr Martha Lloyd, S4C Drama Commissioner says, "Aberystwyth is the clear choice for the Y Gwyll / Hinterland première. The setting is an essential part of the story with Ceredigion's spectacular and varied scenery an integral part of its identity. The film crew spent seven months living and working in the area, and much of the work could not have happened without the support and co-operation of local people, societies and institutions. I look forward very much to the evening and to hearing the community's reaction to the series."

Watch Y Gwyll / Hinterland first on S4C, starting on Tuesday 29 October 9.30. A series of four stories, each of 120 minutes duration, will be broadcast in two parts on Tuesday and Thursday nights, with a double episode on Sundays. DCI Mathias is at the heart of every story. He comes to Aberystwyth on the run from his past after 10 years at the London Met. Flawed but brilliant, he earns our trust as time and time again, he leads us to the truth.

Y Gwyll / Hinterland is produced by Fiction Factory in association with S4C, Tinopolis, BBC Cymru Wales, S4C Co-Production Fund and All3Media International Ltd. The series has been produced in both Welsh and English and will be sold to broadcasters across the world. Following its world debut on S4C later this month it will be broadcast on BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Four in 2014 and also by Danish broadcasters DR Denmark – sold through distributors and co-production partners ALL3MEDIA International.

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