35 International LGBT Films Compete For the 15th Annual ‘Iris Prize’
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The organizers of Iris Prize, Cardiff’s International LGBT+ Film Festival, announced the full program of screenings and events for its 15th year, which runs in Cardiff by the Sea from 5th to 10th October and online until 31st October.
The shortlist of 35 international filmmakers competing for £30,000 prize money was unveiled along with 15 filmmakers who are nominated for the Best British Short film prize. This year’s nominees reflect a 50/50 divide of male and female filmmakers representing the full diversity and gender, including trans and non-binary individuals, actively engaging across the LGBT+ community.
Among the features films are UK premieres of new films from Bruce LaBruce and Todd Stephens along with critically acclaimed Firebird and Rebel Dykes. There are also a wide range of talks, panel discussions and a special awards ceremony on Saturday night. There’s also live music from HYYTS, the up-and-coming young synth pop band from Glasgow, who have also provided music for the festival montage trailers.
Screenings will take place for the first time in Premiere Cinemas Cardiff, marking an exciting new partnership with the festival, which is close to the heart of Cardiff’s LGBT+ nightlife, along with the ever-popular Chapter. So, plenty of reasons to celebrate.
The festival plans to offer an in-person extravaganza and after the success of last year’s virtual event, most of the 2021 program is also being made available on-line throughout October for wider UK audiences to enjoy.
Berwyn Rowlands, Iris Prize says, “This year’s program offers those who are ready to re-connect and meet likeminded people to watch amazing films in person a lot of choice. Our venues, including our new city centre home Premiere Cinemas are ready to put on a show. And although we are still living in a different world to when we last came together in 2019 – there will be much which is familiar, and fingers crossed a few new surprises.
However, we are mindful that for some of our audience watching our 15th edition on-line works best. And looking at the numbers from last year, I’m sure that presenting the festival in person and on-line will become the norm.”
Berwyn adds, “We have so much to enjoy this year I’m predicting many will take advantage of catching up with the films they missed in Cardiff during the festival week by taking advantage of the festival on-line which runs till the end of October. The best of both worlds!”
Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, said: “I’m delighted that Creative Wales is able to support Iris Prize again this year, in what will be the Festival’s 15th year. We are champions for inclusivity and diversity across the creative industries in Wales, and are proud to support an initiative that showcases Welsh creative talent within the LGTBQ+ community and takes this to a global stage. I’d like to wish participants the best of luck and congratulate them on their creative journeys so far.”
Organisers of Iris Prize, Cardiff’s International LGBT+ Film Festival, are delighted to announce the full programme of screenings and events for its 15th year, which runs in Cardiff from 5th to 10th October and online until 31st October. The shortlist of 35 international filmmakers competing for £30,000 prize money is unveiled along with 15 filmmakers who are nominated for the Best British Short film prize. Remarkably this year’s nominees reflect a 50/50 divide of male and female filmmakers representing the full diversity and gender, including trans and non-binary individuals, actively engaging across the LGBT+ community.
Among the features films are UK premieres of new films from Bruce LaBruce and Todd Stephens along with critically acclaimed Firebird and Rebel Dykes. There are also a wide range of talks, panel discussions and a special awards ceremony on Saturday night. There’s also live music from HYYTS, the up-and-coming young synth pop band from Glasgow, who have also provided music for the festival montage trailers.
Screenings will take place for the first time in Premiere Cinemas Cardiff, marking an exciting new partnership with the festival, which is close to the heart of Cardiff’s LGBT+ nightlife, along with the ever-popular Chapter. So, plenty of reasons to celebrate.
The festival plans to offer an in-person extravaganza and after the success of last year’s virtual event, most of the 2021 programme is also being made available on-line throughout October for wider UK audiences to enjoy.
Berwyn Rowlands, Iris Prize says, “This year’s programme offers those who are ready to re-connect and meet likeminded people to watch amazing films in person a lot of choice. Our venues, including our new city centre home Premiere Cinemas are ready to put on a show. And although we are still living in a different world to when we last came together in 2019 – there will be much which is familiar, and fingers crossed a few new surprises.
However, we are mindful that for some of our audience watching our 15th edition on-line works best. And looking at the numbers from last year, I’m sure that presenting the festival in person and on-line will become the norm.”
Berwyn adds, “We have so much to enjoy this year I’m predicting many will take advantage of catching up with the films they missed in Cardiff during the festival week by taking advantage of the festival on-line which runs till the end of October. The best of both worlds!”
Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, said: “I’m delighted that Creative Wales is able to support Iris Prize again this year, in what will be the Festival’s 15th year. We are champions for inclusivity and diversity across the creative industries in Wales, and are proud to support an initiative that showcases Welsh creative talent within the LGTBQ+ community and takes this to a global stage. I’d like to wish participants the best of luck and congratulate them on their creative journeys so far.”
Full details of the line up and events can be found here. The box office is now open. Tickets are available here or in person from 5 -10 October at the Festival Box Office in Premiere Cinemas 30mins before each screening and Festival Club, Queens Arcade, between 10am and 5.30pm. The Iris Prize LGBT+ Film Festival 2021 runs 5th to 10th October in person in Cardiff and will be available on-line in the UK for the full month of October.
Watch the trailer to this year’s line-up below.
The main festival sponsors are: The Michael Bishop Foundation, Creative Wales, a Welsh Government agency that supports the creative sectors in Wales, the BFI awarding funds from The National Lottery, Ffilm Cymru Wales, Film 4, University of South Wales, Cardiff University, Co-op Respect, Bad Wolf, Gorilla Group, Peccadillo Pictures, Pinewood Studios, Attitude Magazine, Diva Magazine and The Ministry of Sound. The festival also works in partnership with BAFTA Cymru, Pride Cymru and Stonewall Cymru.
