Get ready for lift-off! Michael Sheen, the Bard of Bridgend's own beloved son, is about to take centre stage in 'Out There', a rip-roaring comedy that's as much about Welsh culture as it is about UFOs. And what's more, this isn't just any old tale - it's one that's rooted deep in Sheen's own psyche, having had a personal encounter with the paranormal that he'll never forget.
Sheen stars alongside Nerys Amber Stocks as Maz, the feisty 16-year-old astronomy whiz who sets her sights on uncovering the truth behind a UFO sighting over her quiet seaside town. Teaming up with an eccentric ufologist (played by Sheen, of course) and her sceptical best mate, they embark on a wild goose chase that's part mystery, part comedy, and entirely Welsh to the core.
The film, helmed by debut director Simon Ryninks, is set against the stunning backdrop of west Wales - a region steeped in secret extraterrestrial history. Sheen's own connection to this strange phenomenon dates back to his childhood, when he was regaled with tales of a neighbour who spotted a UFO hovering over her garden. And if that weren't enough, at just 12 years old, he himself witnessed multiple lights emerge from behind a mountain and float majestically over the sea - an experience that left him in no doubt: those were UFOs!
Ryninks' passion project was inspired by his family's roots in west Wales, as well as the unique openness of Welsh culture to mystery, magic and folklore. "It couldn't be set anywhere else," he gushes about the film's idyllic locations - from Bridgend to Ceredigion, where some scenes were filmed amidst breathtaking scenery.
While much of the principal photography took place in familiar south Wales haunts, some brave souls ventured further afield to capture the magic of west Wales. And as any Welshman will tell you, it's not just about the scenery - it's also about the weather. Or rather, trying to tame it! As Ryninks cheekily notes, "Typical Welsh weather challenges" were well and truly on show during their October shoot, but miraculously, the rain held off once filming began.