The Iris Prize, the largest LGBT+ short film prize in the world, has premiered in Cardiff. Supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation, £30,000 is up for grabs for the winner to support them on the creation of a new LGBT+ themed film in the UK. In 2020 Iris was identified as one of the top 50 film festivals by Movie Maker Magazine and was promoted to A-list festival status by BAFTA, alongside Cannes and Sundance.
Six of the short films played at the premiere are made in Wales, with 36 films making the final cut for the international Iris Prize. The opening night was held in Cardiff at Premiere Cinemas, setting the season of what has been described as the LGBT+ 'short film Oscars' by critics.
One of the Welsh-made films played at the premiere included 'Cardiff'. The dark comedy, which follows a man on his return to Cardiff and into the dating scene, perfectly encapsulates the reality for some navigating Wales' capital in search of love. Whilst we could describe the film for you, it's blurb perfectly lays out the premise. It reads: "Perpetually single, Frederick envies his fabulous gay friend Joe, who seems to have a never-ending supply of paramours despite being happily married himself. But when Frederick’s meddling mother arrives for a visit, she thrusts him into a forbidden romance, and a series of unforeseen betrayals hilariously expose some carefully held secrets. Being human isn't for sissys."
Directed by Sarah Smith and written by Phillip Guttmann, 'Cardiff' is the comedic rendition of how gay dating and relationships work. Especially geared up towards the reality of gay Welsh men, 'Cardiff' showcases just how toxic and quick things can get. Whilst it stands out for its comedy, it certainly holds within it some sad truths, all too relatable to the gay scene who traverse Cardiff on a daily basis.
Organisers of the 16th edition of the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival are preparing to host the biggest gathering of LGBT+ filmmakers, with 51 short films in competition throughout the festival as well as features, microshorts, community and education shorts, industry talks, and the annual education day. Full details of programmes and showtimes can be found here, while you can watch the live stream from the premiere here.
Tom Abell, Chair of the Iris Prize said: "It is wonderful to be able to welcome film lovers back to the cinema this year. As well as the films we have on offer, there will be a chance to enjoy seven industry talks ranging from documentary filmmaking to making a feature film based on a short, and the role of straight allies in LGBTQ+ filmmaking.
"We are fortunate to have the company of some of our most accomplished Iris alumni, such as Angela Clarke, Jay Bedwani, and Graham Cantwell, as well as Leo LeBeau and James Bell winners of the Iris Prize Co-op Audience Award in 2021 for their film Birthday Boy, discussing how crowdfunding made their film possible."
Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, said: ‘I’m delighted that Creative Wales is able to support Iris Prize again this 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 LGBT+ 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."
Read next:
Oh buggery: The monarchy, gay rulers and the dividing opinions held by LGBT+ people
- Queer Emporium claims new cocktail bar will 'compromise safety of our customers'
The important HIV medication app that's being expanded to help more people in Wales
- A new Terrence Higgins portrait has been unveiled at the Senedd
- What it's like being on the receiving end of mid Wales' rising hate crimes
