35 short films competing for the 2024 Iris Prize
The 35 films that have made the cut for the prestigious international Iris Prize and 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 and the box office opens for general sales on 9 September, (members have priority booking from 2 September), with Full Festival Passes, Day Passes, and Weekend Pass already available.
The shortlist of international filmmakers competing for the coveted £30,000 Iris Prize International Short Film Competition supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation is unveiled today. This year’s shortlist features films from 17 countries, including two from the UK, one from Ireland, and ten from the USA. The shortlist includes 18 films nominated by our partners and the remaining 17 selected from open submissions.
The Iris Prize has 25 partner festivals 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.
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.
“Our shortlist comes from 17 countries with two from the UK and one from Ireland. Personally, I’m pleased to see a film, from Wales, has made the cut to the international shortlist.
“Once again, we will be hosting the festival from Stadium Plaza our popular HQ and home to Vue Cinema, in the centre of Cardiff, in the shadow of the Principality Stadium. We are looking forward to welcoming back the public, film fans, industry specialists and filmmakers, to the festival in October.
“The success of Iris relies on many things, and one of the most important is the generosity of our volunteers, that ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the festival and our wonderful and growing number of members who support and share the love of the Iris family. Anyone is welcome to become a member of Iris, and one of the perks of membership is the chance to buy tickets a week early, from 2 September.
“Of course, Iris isn’t just about the short film competitions. We will be screening 13 feature films from across the world, films created by student filmmakers, and our community projects. We will also be hosting industry talks. Our full programme will be revealed on 9 September, so save the date and come and join us for a feast of global stories and Cardiff charm between 8 and 13 October.”