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A Welsh-language drama featuring Star Wars actor Mark Lewis Jones is aiming to build on its previous international achievements, according to its producers. The show, Dal y Mellt, follows a group of Welsh misfits navigating the criminal underworld. Notably, its first season became the first Welsh-language drama acquired by Netflix. The new series has already attracted interest from television networks in Australia and Spain, with additional countries in discussions to secure broadcasting rights.
The original series, which premiered on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer in 2022, was adapted from a novel by Iwan ‘Iwcs’ Roberts. After its initial release, it was picked up by Netflix and retitled Rough Cut for international audiences. Llŷr Morus, who is co-producing the second series, described the Netflix deal as “great,” emphasizing the universal appeal of Welsh storytelling. He remarked, “We have so much to offer and what is nice is the feeling that our stories can be original in Welsh but that they deal with themes that travel internationally and are relevant to every country.”
Producers hope that the global success of the show will generate financial benefits that encourage more Welsh writers to share their unique perspectives. “There are so many voices and so many stories to be told,” said Morus. Supporting this creative growth is especially important given that the Welsh TV and film industry reported a turnover of £460 million in 2023. Actress Siwan Morris, who appears in both series, described the international exposure of her work as “lovely,” recounting how friends from abroad, including Ireland, reached out after watching the programme.
Critics see the expanding international market as an excellent chance for Welsh-language content to gain wider recognition. Film and television critic Gary Slaymaker highlighted the significance of normalizing Welsh language programming on a global stage. He noted, “With the advent of streaming channels, suddenly it’s become very democratic, there’s a real opportunity if you have the right story.” Director Huw Chiswell also expressed optimism, saying, “You feel that there is something special there – that the Welsh language is getting a lot of attention – it’s surprising how few people are aware of the language.
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