Full of magic and menace: The Royal Opera's Die Walküre comes to the Torch

Pembrokeshire Herald

12-05-2025

TEGRYN village provides haunting backdrop for First World War drama inspired by poet Hedd Wyn
A POWERFUL new short film set during the First World War and filmed in a remote corner of north Pembrokeshire is set to make its premiere later this month, bringing with it a poignant message of peace and remembrance.
The film, A Pack of Five, will debut at the Carmarthen Bay Film Festival on May 19, and has already drawn attention for its evocative storytelling and strong local connections. Inspired by the life and work of renowned Welsh poet Hedd Wyn, the film depicts a fleeting moment of calm shared between five soldiers amid the chaos of the Battle of the Somme.
Hedd Wyn, born Ellis Humphrey Evans in Trawsfynydd, was a pacifist poet who was killed in Flanders on July 31, 1917 – the first day of the bloody Battle of Passchendaele. He was posthumously awarded the prestigious Chair at the National Eisteddfod for his poetry, a ceremony famously marked by an empty seat draped in black.
The film delves into the emotional and psychological landscape of war, using Hedd Wyn's poetry as a lens through which to explore themes of memory, loss, and the fragile humanity shared between soldiers. Two of the soldiers are portrayed by local actors Rhodri Evan of Efailwen and Rhodri Lewis of Tegryn, with the cast capturing a delicate balance between camaraderie and trauma.
Filming took place in Tegryn, a small village in the Preseli Hills, chosen by director John Parr for its raw, elemental landscape. 'The wildness of the wind and the grey skies while we were filming gave the film a special edge,' said Mr Parr, a Grammy-nominated filmmaker whose work often explores historical and cultural themes.
'Hedd Wyn's message of peace is more relevant than ever in today's world,' Parr added. 'The small comfort of a pack of five cigarettes, gallows humour and soldiers' banter create a perfect setting for the quiet wisdom of his poetry.'
The film, written and directed by Parr and produced by Simon Howlett and Delyth Lloyd, is already being hailed as a moving tribute to the poet's enduring legacy. Contributions from distinguished Welsh bards Alan Llwyd and Ceri Wyn Jones enrich the script, while the Treorchy Male Voice Choir and the Harry Secombe Youth Musical Theatre Company provide a rich musical dimension.
Though short in duration, A Pack of Five is layered in meaning. As soldiers reflect on lines of verse amidst the mud and fear of the trenches, the viewer is reminded of the stark contrast between artistic beauty and the brutality of war. 'His is a voice and a message that should be heard today and always,' said Parr.
Following its premiere, the film will become available to the public. It is anticipated to resonate with audiences not only in Wales but across the UK, where interest in First World War history and Welsh cultural heritage remains strong.