A Year 5 class from Caedraw Primary School in Merthyr Tydfil has been nominated for Best Animation (5 to 11 years) at this year’s Into Film Awards, for their stop-motion film The Letter, which is a short story about loneliness, courage and taking the first step. They are one of five nominations for Wales across multiple categories; all nominees will now attend the star-studded, red-carpet event at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London on Tuesday 16 June 2026.
The nomination marks the second consecutive year that a Year 5 class from Caedraw has been recognised at the awards. Last year, the school won the same category with their film Cae yr Arth, with the winning team interviewed by BBC Radio Wales both before and after the ceremony. Last month, ITV featured the school’s latest film in a report on the theme of loneliness.
Alex Fleet, teacher at Caedraw Primary School, said: “Filmmaking gives our children a real opportunity to develop skills across storytelling, digital technology and collaboration. Watching them understand that a good story needs to balance an important message with entertainment, or that sometimes you need to step away and come back with fresh energy are genuinely valuable lessons. We’re absolutely thrilled to be nominated again this year.”
The Letter follows Cae, a father who feels lonely after his son leaves for university, and who decides to write a letter to change his situation. The film was entirely pupil-led, from hand-drawn storyboarding through to final edit, with the children working in before- and after-school clubs across several months.
In a creative touch inspired by The Wizard of Oz, which the class performed for their Christmas concert, the film opens in black and white to reflect the main character’s loneliness, transitioning into colour as his situation changes.
Non Stevens, Head of Into Film Cymru, said: “Caedraw Primary School returning to the Into Film Awards for a second consecutive year, and following last year’s win, is a remarkable achievement. It’s a brilliant example of how sustained film education can have a real and lasting impact, and of the grassroots talent we’re committed to nurturing right across Wales.”
The Awards, sponsored by the UK film industry, celebrate young people’s creativity in film, showcasing and highlighting the wealth of tomorrow’s creative talent.
Last year’s ceremony was attended by Hugh Grant, Callum Scott-Howells, Geri Horner, Celyn Jones, Elizabeth McGovern, Gurinder Chadha and Lennie James.
