National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free

Coracle Men of the Teifi
Craftsman John Christmas Thomas demonstrates how to make a coracle step-by-step, and Cyril Jones and Will Jones instruct learners how to manage one on the water.
From the collection of:

Overview
John [Jack] Christmas Thomas (1904-1980), master-maker of coracles, spent most of his adult life working on the roads for the council but upon his retirement he and his wife opened a cafe in their home village, Cenarth - 'The Coracle Cafe'. In this film, Jack demonstrates how to build one of these traditional vessels from scratch. Two other coraclemen also feature - Cyril Jones and Will Jones - instructing learners in the art of paddling a coracle on the River Teifi, Cenarth.
Will Jones, a coffin and cabinet maker by trade, was one of the two sons of David Jones, the local blacksmith. He and his brother John [Jack] were the last, licensed coracle fishermen on the Teifi. Will's face became well known after being used on tourist board posters and he was a favourite in advertising films. NB: The soundtrack is of very poor quality (it has been recorded through the projector whilst the film was playing) but J. C. Thomas's wife, Myra, can be heard speaking.
Related

Canoeing on the Teifi at Cenarth Canoeing on the Teifi at Cenarth
Home movie 1972 4 mins Silent Location: Cenarth
Shooting rapids puts paid to one canoe!

Wales, Bournemouth, and Birthday Cake on the Beach Wales, Bournemouth, and Birthday Cake on the Beach
Home movie 1943 11 mins Silent Location: Cenarth
Grandpa, in smart 3-piece suit with pocket watch, celebrates his birthday on the beach, assisted by a lively grand-daughter.

Coracles, Jet Skis and the Girls' Friendly Society Coracles, Jet Skis and the Girls' Friendly Society
Home movie 1960 10 mins Silent Location: Cenarth
From the River Teifi and coracles at Cenarth to Fishguard and the sea around Pembrokeshire for jet-skiing, sailing and sandcastles.

Wrong Bathroom Wrong Bathroom
Drama 2024 9 mins
A trans high-schooler is tempted by toxic masculinity in the boys’ bathroom.

We’ll Go Down in History We’ll Go Down in History
Documentary 2025 25 mins
Two years in the life of TRUK United FC, a beacon for positive change and trans inclusivity in football.

If I Make It To The Morning If I Make It To The Morning
Drama 2024 9 mins
A Chinese teenager dreams of living with her cool aunt in New York, until tensions boil over during a crab dinner.

Dragfox Dragfox
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2024 8 mins
A child struggling with their identity and a charismatic fox (voiced by Sir Ian McKellen) learn to embrace their differences in this heart warming stop-motion animation.

Wait, Wait, Now! Wait, Wait, Now!
Drama 2024 13 mins
A Maori and a Kiwi teen buddy up to raid their mum’s wardrobe and pucker their lips with red.

NGGAK!!! NGGAK!!!
Drama 2024 8 mins
‘I pronounce you wife and wife.’ A young couple design their perfect wedding online, but then mum dials in.