The third annual Wales International Film Festival (WIFF) will be held in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council, Neath Port Talbot College Group and Film Hub Wales this September at Neath’s iconic Gwyn Hall.

The festival organisers have received a number of high calibre, independent submissions from 30 different countries for the 24 categories and 50 diverse features, short and animation film projects which have been selected for screening at the festival.

The 2019 Awards Ceremony will be held on the evening of Monday, September 23 at the Gwyn Hall, hosted by Kevin Johns MBE and there will be a live broadcast on Heno for S4C and BBC Wales from the pre-awards reception.

WIFF’s partners and sponsors of categories including ‘Best Short Film’. ‘Best Feature Film’ and ‘Best Short Comedy’, will be present to award the total of 30 prizes.

The Welsh Factor will be providing entertainment during the festival, which runs between September 23 and 24, and WIFF will be raising money during the awards evening for their chosen charities, Maggie’s Cancer Care at Singleton Hospital and SNAP Cymru.

Hollywood actor Michael Sheen has already sent his best wishes to all the competitors via a video on his social media platforms and has said as he will be away filming during the festival, his father Meyrick Sheen will be attending and supporting the event on his behalf.

Councillor Rob Jones, the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “We are very excited the team has committed to bringing the Wales International Film Festival to Neath for the next three years.

“It provides real kudos for the area and will be an excellent opportunity for film makers, college students and the wider public to enjoy watching more than 50 films and short films.

"There will also be workshops and networking sessions involving film makers and producers from around the world. We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to the area.”

Wales International Film Festival Director Samira Mohamed Ali added: “WIFF 2019 will be an excellent event for up-and coming film makers to meet industry experts and experienced producers and directors to network and exchange ideas with people from Europe, US and Canada.

“The ethos behind our non-profit organisation is that we showcase and elevate the best talent with the aim of expanding the festival on multi-platforms across Wales, the UK and internationally.”