To put it context , the IRIS PRIZE for Short Queer Films is comparative to an Academy Award for mainstream movies. Supported by the Michael Bishop Foundation, the coveted £30,000 prize allows the winner to make their next LGBTQ+ short film in Wales.
Short films have always been an essential part of queer filmmaking : as an artform in their own right, or as a stepping stone to making feature films The Iris Prize has 25 partner festivals around the globe who nominated 18 of the shortlisted films, with the remainder chosen by a pre-selection jury. The shortlisted films tell stories ranging from recounting tales of past loves; loving across the generations; acceptance; and crossing the line between friendship and love.
The shortlist unveiled today features films from 17 countries, including two from the UK, one from Ireland, and ten from the USA. The 35 films will be screened in person at the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival – a celebration of global stories and Cardiff charm have been revealed. This year, the 18th edition of the festival runs from 8 – 13 October
Berwyn Rowlands, Iris Prize Film Festival Director, said: “This year, we are blessed with 35 gorgeous short films that tell a variety of stories we can directly relate to. At a time when we are seeing more and more LGBTQ+ stories available on mainstream platforms, the Iris Prize shortlist continues to be an important addition as we share authentic stories that the mainstream can sometimes be accused of ignoring.
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Labels: 2024, Cardiff, film festival, Iris Prize, Short queer films
