Hot Shots 2025: Anna Winstone

“One of the most exceptional documentary film-makers working in Wales today,” is how Kailash Films creative director Gwenllian Hughes sums up Anna Winstone, an AP who has amplified Welsh stories about sensitive subjects from cancer to war.

Working on productions for the BBC, Channel 4 and S4C, Winstone uses her bilingual capabilities to produce authentic content for both Welsh- and English-speaking audiences.

Hughes notes the “unparalleled care” with which Winstone handled contributors on BBC2’s doc feature Helmand: Tour Of Duty, which aired last November.

As well as interviewing more than 100 people, and casting the 10 Welsh Guards soldiers, she co-created comprehensive guidelines that set new standards for duty of care and collaborated with a chartered production psychologist to support contributors through the emotionally demanding fi lming process. She also unearthed previously unaired archive material that offered a more intimate and authentic insight into soldiers’ experiences.

Winstone also contributed to Kailash’s Bafta- and RTS Cymru-winning Rhod Gilbert: A Pain In The Neck and was nominated for the Iris Prize’s Best British Award for her self-directed short Rhiw Goch: On The Red Hill.

“What distinguishes her current work is her evolution from executing others’ visions to actively shaping narrative direction,” says Hughes, pointing to Winstone’s “extraordinary” research skills.

“She now influences key editorial decisions and contributes to strategic planning. Anna’s meticulous research, resourcefulness and commitment to inclusive storytelling continue to uncover stories others might overlook, and her warmth, professionalism and drive to elevate Welsh voices make her an invaluable asset to the industry,” adds Hughes.