Welsh Govt Supports New Drama 'Kiri'

A new four-part drama called Kiri, which is due to premier on Channel 4 this week, has been made with support from the Welsh Government.

Kiri stars Sarah Lancashire, Lucian Msamati, and Lia Williams, and the story centres on the abduction of a young black girl named Kiri, who is soon to be adopted but disappears on an supervised visit to her birth family, that was arranged by her social worker (Sarah Lancashire).

The drama was produced by The Forge who made the decision to film in South East Wales after successfully applying for Welsh Government Business Finance to part fund the drama. Funding for the project was dependent on the production company spending a proportion on their production budget on Welsh Production Expenditure.

Culture Minister Lord Elis-Thomas said: "Early indications suggest that 2017 was one of Wales' best ever for TV and film production and I am delighted that that we are beginning 2018 with the broadcast of a quality and high calibre drama such as Kiri. During 2018 we will work hard to build on this successful record and continue to build Wales' reputation as a premium filming location with much to offer."

Economy Secretary Ken Skates added: "This is the second 4 part serial for Channel 4 written by Jack Thorne, the first of which was filmed in Yorkshire, and I have no doubt that the production team's decision to film in Wales was a direct result of the comprehensive package of support offered by the Welsh Government.

"Our support for Kiri was dependent on the production company spending a proportion of their production budget here in Wales, and this will have generated very real and tangible economic benefits in many of our communities. Indeed over the last 5 years, Welsh Government funded film and TV productions like Kiri have spent in excess of £100m within Wales, and this has created over 2000 full time equivalent job years, benefitted local supply chains and supported hundreds of businesses based here."

Image: Sarah Lancashire stars in Kiri. Image courtesy Channel 4.

(JP)