Simon Thompson (Festival President)

Brought up in South Wales, Simon Thompson has over 17 years experience in the media across TV, radio and online around the world.

Throughout his career he has worked for some of the biggest brands in the industry including the Heart network – the UK's largest commercial radio network, Capital FM, SKY, Yahoo!, MSN and The Sun.

As a film critic Simon's quotes have appeared on national campaigns for major films including Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Cloverfield and Oscar nominated The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. His work has also been used in text books to teach media students about film journalism.

Among Simon's current projects he presents, writes and produces the daily national TV show, Inside Hollywood, on 5USA and Channel 5. Although now based in London, it was South Wales where Simon grew up, studied and started his career. Schooled at Olchfa Comprehensive in Swansea before heading to Swansea College to study Media, Simon then began his career at Swansea Sound.

After a few years working in radio in East Anglia he returned to South Wales as News Editor for Swansea Sound, The Wave and Valleys Radio.

 

Despite a career move to London in 2001, Simon has always retained close links with his Welsh roots.

One of three boys raised by Welsh parents, Simon's late father Neil Thompson ran the Marks & Spencer stores in Llanelli and Carmarthen. Neil was very involved with the local community and various organisations for many years until his death in 1990.

Simon says: "This is where it all began for me, my life in Wales. From the very first time I stayed at the Stradey Park Hotel when we relocated to the area, to watching Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom at Theatre Elli with my Dad, to going to matches at Stradey Park, buying my first car at Howards, starting my media career - the region has always been a place of firsts for me.

"Now, to follow in my father's footsteps, to help give something back to the area, to help encourage and nurture local talent, to welcome national and international talent into the fold, to share experiences and skills, learn from each other and to have all this happen in the heart of Carmarthenshire, this is a huge privilege and a great pleasure." He added: "The Carmarthen Bay Film Festival is an acorn that we would love to see grow into a strong tree and another jewel in the crown for Carmarthenshire. I believe it will.

"There is so much passion here that I have no doubt the community will get onboard, get involved and help make this a success. I can't wait to see what films are submitted, what stories are going to be told and what fresh talent will be discovered.

"It goes without saying that Welsh language films will be a vital ingredient of the festival. Over the next few months we will be announcing key highlights in the programming schedule which will, if all goes to plan, include announcing some big name guests and special events.

"We will soon be announcing the categories for submissions. Much of the programme will be made up of quality entries from film makers from around the world with an exciting mix of content including documentaries and short films on a range of subjects."

Simon concluded: "But this festival is not just about film, it's about community, it's a showcase for the area and we want to see as many local culinary producers getting involved and making the most of this international platform. Within a 50 mile radius of the festival we have independent manufacturers of wine, whisky, beer, cheese, bread, brownies, honey, pies, some of the best sausages in the UK... the delicious list goes on. Food for thought and food for the soul – perfect!

"This is another chance for the area to stick its own pin in the UK's cultural map and say ' Here we are!'"