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Musical film

A BALA actor is hoping to create a new Christmas classic this festive season.

Imaginary friends, memorable songs and Christmas celebrations, a magical combination for a new Christmas film, Albi a Noa yn Achub yr Iwnifyrs, a musical film that will hopefully cast a spell over the whole family on Christmas Day.

The film’s stars are Noa, a seven-year-old boy and his imaginary best friend, Albi. Noa’s parents are always busy, but that does not bother him because he has got his best friend at his side. Efan Williams from Cardiff plays Noa, and Gruff Davies from Bala, is Noa’s imaginary friend, Albi.

“Noa is a very likeable boy who has a lot of fun when he’s playing with his imaginary friend, Albi,” says Efan Williams, who is nine-years-old.

“Albi’s a lot of fun, he’s kind and is a good friend to Noa,” says Gruff Davies, from Parc, near Bala. “Albi can be mischievous, but when things go wrong, he’s happy to take the blame in Noa’s place every time. Albi is great fun to be with!”The two characters are no stran-gers to big adventures.On their own, in Noa’s bedroom, the two boys have to save the universe from evil villains, survive in a world of adventure under the sea, and make mischief during a Christmas Market.But it seems that the young actors had as much fun filming as their characters do in the story! “It was an incredible experience filming Albi a Noa yn Achub yr Iwnifyrs,” added Gruff. “Working with the other actors was great and it was so much fun. I enjoyed it, I would definitely like to do more acting in the future.”

The film features Ryland Teifi and Catrin Mara as Noa’s parents. Glyn Pritchard plays the eccentric Sebyn, and Gwydion Rhys stars as superhero Capten Pans. Richard Elis also stars.The magical world of imaginary friends is central to this film, along with music and songs. Caryl Parry Jones and Non Parry wrote the film, but why did they decide to focus on the story of an only child and his imaginary friend?

Caryl Parry Jones explained: “We both think that having a vivid imagination is vitally important, something that should be encouraged and respected, especially in children. “Non and I love this type of warm, Christmas, family film, and it was a privilege to create our own.

“Of course, we don’t want to preach, but perhaps, in this film, we are trying to make the point that, as well as enjoying our jobs, we as parents work hard to give our children the very best. “But in the meantime, time flies and those precious years with our children pass us by. “For parents to spend quality time with their children is as im-portant for the parents as it is for the children. It’s priceless!”

Elen Rhys, Entertainment Commissioner at S4C, says, “We’re delighted to commission and broadcast this film. It’s a pleasure to present it to a new generation of children and adults, and I hope it will become a classic film in houses in Wales and beyond.”

Albi a Noa yn Achub yr Iwnifyrs will broadcast on Christmas Day at 7.30pm on S4C.

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