Leisa Gwenllian Recognized in Screen International's 2026 Stars of Tomorrow Program

Welsh actress Leisa Gwenllian has been named one of Screen International's Stars of Tomorrow for 2026, a program that highlights emerging talent in the film industry. Gwenllian, who hails from Llanrug in Gwynedd, joins a cohort of 10 actors and 10 filmmakers selected from over 350 applications.

Previous honorees in the Stars of Tomorrow program have included notable actors such as Florence Pugh, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jodie Comer, and Paul Mescal. Gwenllian expressed that the recognition is a "great opportunity" that she hopes will open doors for her career.

"I just want to make my country proud and make my family proud," Gwenllian stated, reflecting on the support she has received, particularly in Wales.

Gwenllian's inclusion is largely attributed to her role in "Effi o Blaenau" (Effi from Blaenau), a film adapted from Gary Owen's play "Iphigenia in Splott." The movie, directed by Marc Evans, relocates the story from Cardiff to Gwynedd and follows the titular character through unemployment and a tumultuous social life.

"I absolutely would not be there had it not been for Effi and I just feel very grateful that I got to play her and that it's reached so many people," Gwenllian said. She views the honor not only as a recognition of her work but also as a significant boost for Welsh-language cinema.

The film magazine Time Out described "Effi o Blaenau" as a blend of Greek tragedy and "British social realism," calling Gwenllian "formidable." The Guardian, meanwhile, labeled the film a "sensation."

"The industry here is having 'a bit of a moment,'" Gwenllian remarked, adding that a colleague, director Helen Jones, prefers to call it "a movement" that needs to be sustained. "What Effi has proven is that there's an appetite out there for Welsh language films," she said, emphasizing that Welsh-language films should not be perceived as a barrier, especially given the audience's willingness to watch films in other languages with subtitles.

In addition to "Effi o Blaenau," Gwenllian has recently been working on "Santa Maria," a dark comedy series set in Swansea. The ITV and S4C production explores a "class divide" within the city and will feature both Welsh and English language versions, with Gwenllian noting that the series will incorporate significant Welsh dialogue even in its English iteration.

Charles Gant from Screen International praised Gwenllian as a "great talent discovery," noting her consistent presence and performance in her lead role. He added, "Leisa is a phenomenal talent, and casting directors and filmmakers will be sitting up and taking notice. She has warmth and charisma and that magical but unquantifiable essence that confers star status."