31 January 2014

It has been announced today that S4C’s animation NiDiNi (WE’R’US) created by media provider Griffilms has been named as a finalist in the PRIX JEUNESSE INTERNATIONAL 2014 festival.

The series which features animated cartoon versions of children from Wales speaking about their feelings has made the final cut in the festival’s 7-11 fiction category.

The aim of the PRIX JEUNESSE Foundation is to promote quality in television for the young worldwide. It wants to bring forward television that enables children to see, hear and express themselves and their culture, and that enhances an awareness and appreciation of other cultures.

The children featured in NiDiNi discuss a variety of topics from world peace to what constitutes being old. Their words are sometimes funny and sometimes thought provoking, poignant and insightful. The anonymity that animation gives allows them the freedom to express their feelings more freely than they might otherwise, and Griffilms have endeavoured to portray an honest account, interspersed with plenty of humour. In the shortlisted episode the children discuss what makes them happy and what makes them sad.

Established in 1992 finalists Griffilms are a multi-award winning media provider whose work has been broadcast in the UK and around the world. The company are thrilled with the announcement:

“We’re very proud to represent S4C on the International stage.” Says Griffilms Director, Hywel Griffith. “Griffilms is the longest continuously running animation company in Wales and this prestigious nomination is something we have always aimed for.”

Sioned Wyn Roberts, Content Commissioner at S4C said, “NiDiNi is a fantastic series that showcases the feelings and emotions of children in an entertaining, humorous yet often poignant way. We warmly congratulate Griffilms and hope that the nomination will go some way in highlighting the great programmes created here in Wales broadcast on the nation’s Channel, S4C.”

An app accompanies the series that allows children to record their voice and animate their own character which they can then upload onto the NiDiNi (We'R'Us) website. The anonymity that the animation gives allows the children to express themselves more openly than they might otherwise and the content on the website will therefore give a true reflection of their lives today

The PRIX JEUNESSE INTERNATIONAL 2014 festival is due to take place in Germany between 30 May and 4 June 2014.

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