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.
