USW professor becomes Chair-Elect of Ffilm Cymru

Professor Ruth McElroy

Ffilm Cymru Wales has appointed two new Board members, including a new Chair-Elect, to continue to shape the creative ecosystem in Wales. 

Professor Ruth McElroy joins Ffilm Cymru as Chair-Elect, bringing with her considerable expertise and experience as Faculty Head of Research and Professor of Creative Industries at the University of South Wales, and as co-director of the Centre for the Study of Media and Culture in Small Nations, and member of the Media Policy group of the Institute of Welsh Affairs. 

Prof McElroy is also Co-director of the Clwstwr Creadigol, one of nine UK R&D partnerships funded through the AHRC Creative Economy, and leads on the Screen Innovation element of the new partnership in Cardiff.

From the start of her term in September there will be up to a 12-month transitionary period, during which time Prof McElroy will work alongside current Chair Michael Gubbins, consultant and former editor of trade publication Screen International. Throughout his six years of service. Mr Gubbins has helped steer the organisation through a rapidly evolving landscape of digital content and consumer change, with a focus on international collaboration.  

Commenting on her appointment, Prof McElroy said: “I am deeply honoured to be joining Ffilm Cymru Wales as Chair-elect. This is a golden moment for the screen sector in Wales, with some great successes under our belt. However, there is a great deal more to do if we are to achieve our full potential. 

"My aim is to work collaboratively to develop an inclusive, sustainable screen sector in Wales with an international reputation for ambitious, multilingual filmmaking.”

Mr Gubbins said: “Chairing Ffilm Cymru Wales has been a great privilege. I was fortunate to be able to work with a great leader in CEO Pauline Burt, a fantastic team, and very committed board members during what were challenging times for the whole industry,

“We made an active decision early on to embrace the realities and opportunities of a changing digital economy, particularly in how it could help develop more diverse and sustainable businesses and connect with a wider range of audiences. Ffilm Cymru Wales is proud of the dramatic progress and we believe we have built the foundations for an extremely bright future,.

“I believe Ruth will bring fresh ideas and new approaches and I wish her the best of luck helping Wales reach new heights.”

Also joining Ffilm Cymru Wales’ Board is Bron Lloyd, Director of Community Regeneration at Charter Housing Association. As a key figure in the development of Ffilm Cymru Wales’ Arts & Business award-winning Foot in the Door training programme and pop-up community cinema screenings, she has a vital appreciation of the social, cultural, and economic value that film can bring to some of Wales’ most underserved areas.

Nick Capaldi, Chief Executive of Arts Council of Wales, said “It’s important for arts institutions to have people with skills and experience on their boards and also a passion, knowledge and enthusiasm to support the fantastic work of Ffilm Cymru Wales. We very much welcome these appointments.” 

Ffilm Cymru is committed to advancing the cultural, economic and social benefits of film, ensuring reach right across Wales, regardless of background or circumstance. It invests finance delegated by the Arts Council of Wales, British Film Institute and others, leveraging significant private and market co-investment.