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There are a few film-related stories connected with Wales flying about at the moment, so here's a quick round-up for you.

Firstly, this Friday sees the UK general release of starring Welsh actor Rhys Ifans. The film is based the best-selling autobiography of the former drugs baron Howard Marks, which he wrote after his release on parole in 1995 having served seven years in prison.

Rhys Ifans in Mr Nice (© E1 Entertainment Films/The Press Association)

There's a great story on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ website by entertainment correspondent Tim Masters on how the Mr Nice set was a 'no-smoke zone' while filming in Wales. Plus, read the blog entry from Bethan Elfyn on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Wales Music website about her experience at the Welsh première of the film.

Meanwhile, a small part of Gwynedd has been receiving the Hollywood treatment recently. A-listers Thandie Newton (Crash, Mission Impossible II), Cillian Murphy - who recently starred in blockbuster Inception - and Billy Elliott star Jamie Bell have been filming the psychological thriller The Retreat in Talsarnau near Harlech.

Thandie Newton

The production team, who are filming at Plas Llandecwyn, a remote farmhouse near Talsarnau, arrived a couple of weeks ago and are due to stay until 15 October. on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Local north west Wales website.

And as reported by the Western Mail, Mickey Rourke has apparently met Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas over plans for the Hollywood star to play him in a film about his life as professional rugby’s first openly gay player. Read more about that on the .