The Testimony of Taliesin Jones

         It is one of Britain's most important post-war films, and launched the blossoming talent of Ken Loach.

         Kes,the 1969 story of a working class boy fighting against the odds in a mining community, is celebrated as one of the milestones of British cinema. And now a Welsh film, The Testament of Taliesin Jones,is being tipped as the new Kes.Both movies feature a child actor playing the lead role, in each case a boy struggling to rise above the problems caused by a broken home.

         Kesstarred unknown youngster David Bradley as Billy Casper, a working class boy who escapes the pressures of reality after discovering a baby kestrel. He names it Kes, steals a book on falconry and determines to rear it. Quickly developing the right skills, he is helped by his teacher Mr Far-thing, played by the criticallyacclaimed Colin Welland. Directed by Ken Loach, the much-acclaimed film was based on the novel, A Kestrel For A Knave,by Barry Hines. Colin Welland went on to write the screenplay for the Oscar-winning British movie, Chariots of Fire,infamously proclaiming, "The British are coming!" while collecting his Academy Award.

         The Testimony of Taliesin Jonesis based on a novel of the same name by Welsh author Rhidian Brook. Newcomer John Paul McLeod from Port Talbot stars in the title role as an 11-year-old living on a farm with his father, played by established Hollywood actor Jonathan Pryce, and brother, played by rising star Matthew Rhys.

         After his mother (Geraldine James) runs off with a hairdresser, Taliesin's father turns to alcohol and his older brother becomes bitter. With the help of Billy, a piano teacher and healer, Taliesin begins to discover a way out of his dilemma.

         Like Kes,the film also features some notable actors in supporting roles, including Waking Nedstar Ian Bannen and Cardiff-born Griff Rhys Jones who plays a head teacher. The comedian described the film as a "sensitive and wonderful production" that tells the story of a young boy who begins to question what faith and the world around him mean.

         "It is quite an unusual film in that it is very sensitive and deals with faith and how faith is perhaps something that cannot be proved," said Rhys Jones.

         Producer Helena Mackenzie said of the film, "It is a very gentle, human story, dealing with the millennium issues such as religion, bullying at school and growing up."

         So can Taliesin Jones be as successful as Kes?

         The central role was played by David Bradley and boosted by strong supporting performances, notably from Colin Welland. Director of photography on Keswas double Oscar-winning cinematographer Chris Menges, who lives near Knighton, Powys. Menges picked up Academy Awards for his work on was also the cinematographer on top movies The Missionand The Killing Fields.

         The Testimony of Taliesin Joneswill be released in the UK next spring.