Welsh-language film *Effi O Blaenau* has secured an international sales deal with MetFilm Sales, which will introduce it to buyers at the Toronto International Film Festival market. The deal builds on the film’s strong domestic performance and awards prospects, with the drama being viewed as a contender to represent the UK in the Best International Film Oscar category.

Directed by Marc Evans and led by Leisa Gwenllian in a breakout role, the film follows a young North Wales woman facing unemployment, heavy drinking and a repetitive nightlife routine. Released in UK cinemas in mid-June, it became the highest-grossing Welsh-language film ever, taking $300,000 from a maximum of 31 screens; it is adapted from Gary Owen’s monodrama *Iphigenia in Splott* and was backed by S4C, Creative Wales and the Welsh Government.