Iris Prize produce new education pack for educators to discuss gender, sexuality and trans inclusion with young people

The teaching pack features five short films with themes of trans issues and inclusion from the Iris Prize Archive – popular films that have been screened at the festival over its fifteen-year history. Each section includes a description of how the film tells its story, and suggested activities: ‘reading’ the film; writing; filmmaking; and using the film to discuss gender, sexuality and trans inclusion. The pack also includes a glossary of film terms. 

Berwyn Rowlands, Festival Director said: “During the pandemic it was impossible for Iris to go into schools. So, we decided to focus on creating this education pack. It has been something we felt was needed for a long time, a resource which would allow educators and young people to gain much more from watching the short films we have been making available to schools for years.

“The funding from Ffilm Cymru Wales allowed us to work with Tom Barrance, who is a much-respected film educator with over 30 years’ experience of working in schools and communities, delivering training and creating resources for filmmaking, Media Studies and Film Studies.

“Today we are delighted to confirm we have secured the support of Into Film to make sure that that the teaching pack is available to schools across the UK. Into Film engages with over half of UK schools and offers trusted, free educational support for teachers, advocating the use of film as a powerful tool for learning.

“As we continue to celebrate LGBT+ History Month (February) I’m thrilled that this pack, produced and funded in Wales, is now available throughout the UK, and will be available year-round.”

Pupils from several Co-op Academies in Manchester attended an Iris Prize Education Day as part of Iris on the Move recently and were the first to use the pack. (Pictured above)