From the Old Earth
Wales and the folk horror revival
From Planet 251
by Nia Edwards-Behi
Nia Edwards-Behi sets this distinctive film genre in its historical and international contexts, and calls for new explorations of its compelling potential in Wales. Why does folk horror have such resonance for small nations and repressed languages?
Welsh horror has always been folk horror: from the pair dadeni (‘revival cauldron’) of the Mabinogi to Gwledd, via Arthur Machen and The Wolf Man. With more and more Welsh films made each year, it’s little wonder that horror films are prominent among them – it is a popular and profitable genre after all – but perhaps even less surprising is that folk horror is to be found more prominently still.
Sign in to read moreAbout the author
Nia Edwards-Behi is co-director of Abertoir Horror Festival. She has a doctorate in Film Studies from Aberystwyth University.
