Eiry Shi on Family, Courage, and Representing Welsh Talent on the Global Stage
For rising Welsh actor and performer Eiry Shi, creativity runs in the family. “My mum was born in Cefn-y-Bedd and was a professional dancer working in the industry,” Eiry shares. “She was recognised as a successful Welsh artist from a young age, so she always encouraged me and my sister to perform.” Her father is also an actor and musician — meaning that, in the Shi household, there was never a quiet moment. “We’re always acting, singing, dancing, or playing instruments,” she laughs. “In lockdown, we even started a family band called Fam Jam.”
Eiry’s journey in performance began early, starring in musical theatre productions from the age of seven. Her family’s travels to China and later return to North Wales shaped her bilingual identity and creative worldview. “Growing up in Wales and having such an amazing family has given me so many opportunities and support to develop my passion for acting, singing, and dancing,” she says.
Bridging cultures through Falcon Eyes
Eiry’s recent role in the film Falcon Eyes, directed by Annlin Chao, offered her the chance to explore her dual heritage on screen. “I really enjoyed exploring my bilingual heritage by getting the chance to also speak Chinese on screen,” she explains. “Working with Annlin was amazing. The film really showcased how one can feel so lonely when you’re different.”
For Eiry, Falcon Eyes was more than just a performance — it was an emotional journey of self-discovery. “Being part of the Welsh arts community is so important to me,” she says. “It creates an environment where everyone can be supported and fully commit to creating a piece of art. Falcon Eyes and Annlin encouraged me to be open with myself and to use who I am to shape my character.”
Finding her voice
Reflecting on her training, Eiry credits her Welsh upbringing and local theatre experiences for shaping her approach to performance. “I’ve been encouraged to search for my own voice and not be afraid to be who I am,” she says. “In my local youth group, we celebrate diversity — we enjoy being different but also united as a community. It’s important to share our culture, ideas, and difficulties, and not be afraid to showcase your true self.”
That mindset guided her portrayal of June, the protagonist in Falcon Eyes. “I wanted to show June’s courage, even when she felt so alone,” Eiry explains. “June’s courage is what made her June.”
Raising Welsh voices abroad
As her career grows, Eiry is passionate about seeing Welsh talent represented beyond national borders. “Wales needs to be recognised as a place filled with amazing talent,” she says. “For example, Michael Sheen is a brilliant Welsh actor who deserves even more recognition. I get involved in all sorts of film projects just to support the Welsh film scene. I’m always meeting writers, filmmakers, designers, and other actors — I want to do as much as I can to support this community.”
That sense of pride extends to seeing Welsh work celebrated internationally. “I love that films like Falcon Eyes are being recognised on the international film circuit,” she says proudly. “I was so happy we got selected for the New York festival! Another short film I was in has also been put up for a festival, so I think it’s brilliant that more Welsh actors and companies are being recognised.”
Looking ahead
For Eiry Shi, the path forward is clear — and full of determination. “I want my career to be in this industry,” she says. “I’m working hard to make sure I can do this for a living. I’d love to see more films being made in North Wales and more chances for Welsh performers. Often you have to travel to London or Northern Ireland to be part of something big, so I hope we can do the same in my local area.”
With her infectious energy, cross-cultural fluency, and deep sense of belonging to the Welsh creative community, Eiry Shi represents the next generation of talent bringing Wales to the world — one story, one performance, and one song at a time.
#MADE-IN-WALES is part of FFilmic’s ongoing series celebrating emerging voices from Wales — spotlighting the filmmakers, stories, and creative visions shaping the nation’s cinematic future.