13 Hydref 2021

S4C series Bethesda: Pobol y Chwarel (People of the Quarry) has won an award at the New York TV and Film Festival.

The series won a bronze award in the 'Community Portrait' documentary programme category.

Bethesda: Pobol y Chwarel was broadcast on S4C in March 2020. This 'fly on the wall' documentary celebrates the people of the village and offers an insight into their everyday lives.

It shows Bethesda, or 'Pesda' as it is known locally, as a place full of history, brimming with activity and with many extraordinary characters – each with their own story and each with their own dreams.

The prize was announced at a special on-line awards ceremony last night (Tuesday, 12 October).

The series was produced by Nia Parry and Deiniol Morris and directed by Rhodri Davies on behalf of Boom Cymru. Nia said: "The most special thing about working on the series was the welcome we had and the honour of being able to tell the stories of the characters from Bethesda.

"This is a close Welsh community, a community that is linked by its relationship with the quarry and the slate and the landscape around it. There are stories which demonstrate friendship, entrepreneurship, hope, fun, and the energy and resilience of the people. It is they who have won this prize – it is their story and it was our honour, as a very small team, to tell it."

Rhodri Davies said: "In Bethesda we were lucky to find the astonishing in the local, and the fact that the voices of this square mile has won international recognition is testament to the unique spirit of the residents of Dyffryn Ogwen. As the director, I am very proud of this."

Llinos Wynne, S4C Factual Programmes Commissioner said: "Many congratulations to Nia, Boom Cymru and everybody who took part in this remarkable production. Bethesda: Pobol y Chwarel is a very important series, not only is it a record of real life in a community which faces huge challenges but also as a piece of social history for future generations."

New York Festivals TV & Film Awards celebrates content in all lengths and forms from more than 50 countries. Embracing all aspects of the television and film industries, categories reflect today's global trends and encourage the next generation of story-tellers.

ENDS