THE director behind Anglesey-filmed hit Madfabulous returned to the island to shoot his next movie - and the creator of Mônuts was given a special invite behind the scenes.
Celyn Jones, who is from Anglesey, has wrapped up filming Mountain in Holyhead, a coming-of-age drama set in 1980s Wales. The new feature comes after the success of Madfabulous, which proved to be a huge hit with audiences.
Richard Holt, who founded Mr Holts' Mônuts at Melin Llynon, a restored windmill near Llanddeusan, was invited to visit the set after an unexpected meeting with the filmmaker turned into a new friendship.
Celyn was first in line at Melin Llynon one morning, where he caught Richard's attention by complimenting his casual suit and sandals - before revealing who he was.
Richard said: "He told me who he was and I was starstruck. We were chatting for ages and he agreed to do a Mônut tasting video with me. We got on like a house on fire!
"He invited us to set the following morning and I couldn’t believe it. The entire cast treated us like VIPs and we had such a blast."
Written by Celyn and his sister Lisa Baker, who also co-wrote Madfabulous, Mountain tells the story of a neglected young boy in 1980s Wales searching for friendship and community, whose life collides by chance with Bill, a man living in isolation on the mountain.
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The film, produced by Mad As Birds, stars Peter Mullan, Iwan Rheon, newcomer Seth Isaac Thomas and musician and actress Rebecca Lucy Taylor, also known as pop star Self Esteem.
Richard added: "Celyn was such a gentleman and encouraged me to film behind the scenes as much as I wanted, and even suggested I interviewed his main star - Seth Isaac Thomas.
"Apparently Seth had told Celyn that Mônuts were the best donuts in the world and recommended he went. Seth’s face when he realised I was 'Mr Holt' was a picture."
Celyn posted on his Instagram: "Well that’s a wrap on Mountain, our next feature.
"This film feels super special already. It’s been an emotional and spiritual homecoming shooting on Holyhead and with the most incredible cast and crew.
"The performances are wonderful led by one of the greatest actors and humans Peter Mullan and brand new star of tomorrow, Seth Isaac Thomas."
Celyn said in an interview with chief reporter Suzanne Kendrick earlier this year that he would be returning to Anglesey to film.
He said: “Madfabulous isn’t just a blip. I am coming back to Anglesey next month to direct another film.
"I can't say what it is or where or who is in it, but what I can say is that it is a beautiful story with a fantastic cast."
Richard’s meeting with Celyn is the latest memorable moment for Melin Llynon, which has seen growing attention since its Mônuts became a social media hit.
Pastry chef Richard has seen a huge uplift in demand at the attraction since being visited by American vlogger Kalani Ghost Hunter (Kalani Smith).
In his video about Melin Llynon, the Tennessee influencer, who has 3.2 million followers on TikTok, said: "These are the best looking donuts I've ever seen."
Richard said: "We always open every day over Summer and close entirely over Winter.
"Kalani came last October and we ended up opening all year round.
"He came back for his birthday in June and it exploded all over again.
"Queues now start from 8am, we open at 10am, and we sell out every day."
Richard playfully added: "Kalani and I are now planning a trip around the world to find the second best donuts."