A critically acclaimed film shot in Pembrokeshire and recently showcased in Hollywood is set to return to its roots with three special screenings across west Wales.
A Pack of Five, inspired by the life and legacy of Welsh bard Hedd Wyn, will be shown in Aberystwyth, Fishguard and at the National Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire, giving local audiences the chance to see the award-winning production on home soil.
The short film, written and directed by Grammy-nominated musician John Parr, was filmed in and around Tegryn in north Pembrokeshire. The area’s rugged landscape was used to recreate the battlefields of the Somme during the First World War.
Playing two of the soldiers are local actors Rhodri Evans of Efailwen and Rhodri Lewis of Tegryn. (Image: Simon Howlett)
It has already gained international attention, with a screening at the Beverly Hills Film Festival and a showing at the iconic Chinese Theatre on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The production was also named Best Short Film UK 2026 at the Independent Film Festival in Liverpool.
Set during the First World War, the film follows five soldiers who share a brief moment of calm away from the front line, bonding over a packet of cigarettes. As they talk, they discover a shared connection to Hedd Wyn, whose poetry offers comfort amid the horrors of war.
Pembrokeshire audiences will have a chance to see the film during the National Eisteddfod in Llantwd, north Pembrokeshire on Sunday, August 2, where it will be screened at 1pm on the Maes. Director John Parr and members of the cast will attend, followed by a question-and-answer session.
The five soldiers reflect on Hedd Wyn’s words during a break from battle. (Image: IMDb)
A further local screening will take place at Fishguard Library on Tuesday, August 4.
The west Wales run begins earlier at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth on July 30.
All screenings will include readings of Hedd Wyn’s poetry alongside discussions with the filmmakers.
The production, made entirely in Wales with a Welsh cast and crew, has already been shown to great acclaim in Hedd Wyn’s home, The Ysgwrn; in Tegryn where it was filmed; in Wrexham Library during last year’s Eisteddfod and in London at the notable Victory Services Club.
There are also plans for it being screened in Parliament during Remembrance Week 2026.
Credit: Source link