Llanharan Primary School Nominated for Best Documentary
Llanharan Primary School in Pontypridd has been nominated for Best Documentary at this year’s Into Film Awards, for their mini-documentary The Mari Lwyd, a film exploring the history and meaning of one of Wales’s Christmas traditions. The class of 22 pupils, from Years 5 and 6, are nominated together with four other nominees from across Wales, and who will now attend the star-studded, red-carpet event at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London on Tuesday 16 June 2026.
Their teacher Mr Rhys Roberts – and Teacher of the Year 2019 winner, said: “This project gave our pupils a genuine sense of ownership over their Welsh heritage. They didn’t just learn about the Mari Lwyd, but they made something they’re proud of, from composing their own digital soundtrack to choosing camera angles that would bring the tradition to life on screen. It’s wonderful to be nominated.”
The film was inspired by a school assembly on Welsh festive customs, including the Mari Lwyd, which is a unique Welsh midwinter tradition that captured the children’s imagination. Using a mixture of acting, presenting and self-composed digital music, the pupils set out to show that traditions only stay alive when young people choose to keep them going. The soundtrack was also composed and performed by the pupils.
Non Stevens, Head of Into Film Cymru, said: “Llanharan Primary School has a remarkable relationship with the Into Film Awards, with Mr Rhys Roberts himself winning Teacher of the Year in 2019.
“Now a new generation of pupils is carrying that tradition forward with this wonderful film. This nomination is a fantasticl example of young Welsh voices using film to celebrate and protect their own cultural heritage. These children have taken a tradition that might be unfamiliar to many and made it compelling, accessible and something to be genuinely proud of. That’s exactly what film education can do.”
The Awards, sponsored by the UK film industry, celebrate young people’s creativity in film, showcasing and highlighting the wealth of tomorrow’s creative talent.
Last year’s ceremony was attended by Hugh Grant, Callum Scott-Howells, Geri Horner, Celyn Jones, Elizabeth McGovern, Gurinder Chadha and Lennie James.
For more information about the awards, see: www.intofilm.org/awards
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