PENARTH film director Medeni Griffiths' adaptation of the legendary story of Gelert – the dog who gives its life to protect the son of its master – has been crowned Best British Short Film at a prestigious festival.

Premiered on S4C recently as part of the channel’s 'Legends' season, the 15 minute film 'Beddgelert' beat off stiff competition to be awarded the accolade at the Kinofilm Festival in Manchester late last year.

'Beddgelert', or 'Gelert's Grave', retells the famous story of Prince Llywelyn the Great's faithful dog, who in his master's absence kills a wolf to protect Llywelyn's son and heir. When the prince returns home, he finds Gelert covered in blood and his son's cot empty. Assuming Gelert has killed his child, Llywelyn slays him before discovering his child unharmed.

Ms Griffiths, who grew up in Penarth but now resides in Los Angeles, said: "The whole team is thrilled about the Kinofilm win. We’re so happy that the story we all grew up with has resonated with people in Wales as well as on a more international scale – what more could you hope for?

"The idea behind the piece was always to ground the myth and Llywelyn’s character, while at the same time preserving the haunting atmosphere of the original story that everyone loves so much."

Creative content director for S4C, Amanda Rees, said: "We congratulate the production team behind the captivating film and are delighted that we can give Medeni Griffiths’ work a wide platform on S4C. It is an exciting interpretation of one of our country’s most famous folk-tales and we are proud to have premiered the film as part of our S4C Chwedlau Legends month."