Lights, camera, Cymraeg! The Welsh-language drama Dal y Mellt, featuring Star Wars actor Mark Lewis Jones, is aiming for a repeat performance on the global stage, and the excitement is palpable. But how did a Welsh-language show break into the international market, and what does this mean for the future of Welsh storytelling? Let's dive in.
The first series of Dal y Mellt, which follows a band of Welsh outsiders as they get involved in the world of crime, made history as the first Welsh-language drama to be picked up by Netflix. This initial success has paved the way for the latest installment, which has already been acquired by television networks in Australia and Spain, with other countries in discussions with the producers.
"We know that there is an international success for the second series before it goes out on S4C," shared Llŷr Morus, highlighting the pre-release global interest. The first series, which premiered on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer in 2022, was adapted from a novel by Iwan 'Iwcs' Roberts and later distributed on Netflix under the title Rough Cut.
"Selling to Netflix was great," Morus added, returning as co-producer for the second series. "We have so much to offer, and it's wonderful to feel that our stories, while originally in Welsh, can tackle universal themes that resonate with audiences worldwide." He also expressed his hope that the financial benefits of international success would nurture future Welsh writers and their stories.
And this is the part most people miss... the bigger picture. The Welsh TV and film industry saw a remarkable turnover of £460 million in 2023, according to data from the Welsh government. This financial boom underscores the growing importance of Welsh content on the global stage.
Siwan Morris, a star of both series, expressed her joy at having her Welsh-language work accessible to friends and colleagues overseas. "I had friends in Ireland contacting me to say: 'Hey, I've just seen you in Dal y Mellt,' which was brilliant," she said.
Film and television critic Gary Slaymaker sees the global audience as a golden opportunity for Welsh-language programs. "To normalize the idea that the Welsh language is part of that is great," 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."
"I hope we can build on the success of the first series," added Huw Chiswell, the director of Dal y Mellt. "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."
Here's where it gets controversial... The new series will be broadcast in Welsh, with subtitles, on S4C, S4C Clic, and BBC iPlayer on January 4, 2026.
What do you think? Do you believe that the success of Dal y Mellt can pave the way for more Welsh-language content to reach a global audience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
