THE First Minister of Wales has given his support to a new national film network and festival developed in Rhyl.

The volunteers of Wicked Wales Film, who have been running an international film festival alongside pop up cinema screenings at Little Theatre for the last three years are celebrating the launch of their latest initiative today, Friday, July 31.

Working in partnership with Film Hub Wales and Wales Youth Festival Network,, the group debuted the first Three Films Festival online until, Sunday, August 2.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said:"At a challenging time for the arts, it is inspiring to see Welsh film festivals coming together to give young film makers this opportunity to share their creativity.

"I would like to wish the Three Film Festival the very best of luck and congratulate Wicked Wales and everyone who has brought this to life."

The three films of the festivals inaugural showing will include Modern Day Romantics by Hattie Young and Ellie Lancaster, Nightfall by Antony Jenkins and Catch by Dominic Rees Roberts and Paul Cooke.

Alongside screening their work, the festival aims to link young filmmakers in Wales with festivals and organisations across the country, while providing new opportunities and connections.

Rhiannon Hughes, festival director and cinema volunteer, said: "It is important that local young people in this part of Wales have the same training opportunities and access to jobs as young people in other parts of the UK.

"With the unemployment figures for young people set to rise, our work in film and filling the gap between learning and work for young people through volunteering is even more important.

"Our long term aim of making the creative industries the vehicle for local regeneration has a new sense of urgency and we are grateful to the Little Theatre for giving us access to such a wonderful building for our screenings and training."

Vale of Clwyd MS Ann Jones said:"We are delighted to see the developments in Rhyl with Wicked Wales Film who are leading the way developing their community led cinemas, providing national and international training opportunities for our local young people and bringing the world to Rhyl, our communities and schools through international films made by young people."

The online Festival which takes place between From Friday, July 31 and Sunday, August 2. The online event will also make available industry masterclasses, free of charge.

For more information and programme details wickedwales.com click WYFN or visit thh Three Films Festival Youtube channel.