The feature-length special is coming! Mali Harries shares her view of Hinterland

Mali Harries took a break from filming series two of Hinterland in the wilds of Ceredigon to share a few thoughts on the feel of this weekend’s feature-length special.

Working in two languages – English and Welsh - is a real challenge. You can’t literally translate it line for line, as there are differences in the syntax and rhythm. The meaning is often the same, but the colour can vary between both languages. 

I speak Welsh at home, but I have no preference as to which language I work in, I just want to work! The police language often flows easier in English. I personally don’t feel anything is lost in translation. We can’t allow it to be, as the Welsh language and non-Welsh language viewers have the right to enjoy every beat of each scene, regardless.

I improvised the line "Why is it women do the work, men get promoted?" during a tonal meeting. I think often women crack on with the job, and aren’t always given the praise, or the pay they deserve. Mared, like myself, is a straight talker. 

Working with Richard Harrington (DCI Mathias) is a real pleasure. He’s a very passionate person, and he often larks around, which is good, as I tend to get a bit serious when I work. In a scene, if there is a slight problem with anything, it often turns into a great moment with Rich. In Hinterland, we are encouraged to work in a very a very organic way, so as actors we can contribute things, and if they’re agreed they are included.

The sparse dialogue in Hinterland definitely gives us more freedom to play as actors. I think that silence is a wonderful thing, it means that the atmosphere is driven by people’s innermost thoughts and not just the plot.

Mali Harries plays DI Mared Rhys in Hinterland.

A feature-length special episode of Hinterland is available to watch in BBC iPlayer until Tuesday, 6 October at 12.10am.

It was first broadcast on BBC One Wales on Monday, 6 April 2015.

Need a refresher on series one? Watch the recap here

An arson attack lures DCI Mathias back - watch the special episode's trail

Comments made by writers on the BBC TV blog are their own opinions and not necessarily those of the BBC.