The Iris Film Festival is internationally the largest L.G.B.T.+ short film prize celebrated in October and this year it will be held from October 8 to 13. It takes place in Cardiff every year on a week chosen by the Festivals company. Fans all over the world celebrate this event online all through October. The Iris Prize is a film award with a package value of $30,000 and is awarded to the winning filmmaker to help them make their next film.
History of Iris Film Festival
The Iris Prize is an international L.G.B.T.+ film prize and festival, open to any film which is by, for, about, or of interest to gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender audiences and completed within two years of the prize deadline. It was created in 2007 by Berwyn Rowlands. John Berwyn Rowlands was born in September 1966. He is a Welsh creative producer and founder of the Festivals Company and the Iris Prize Festival.
In 2006 Rowlands established The Festivals Company, presently responsible for event management, public relations, and marketing consultancy. It was through this organization that Rowlands actualized the Iris Prize. The Festivals Company fixes the date for the Iris Prize Film Festival, although it is always a week in October. The company is situated in Cardiff, Wales, where the festivals are held.
Rowlands has been a campaigner and activist for L.G.B.T.+ rights and inclusivity. His efforts have earned him several awards, the most recent being a ‘St David Awards’ award presented to him by the First Minister of Wales in 2022, acknowledging his work with the Iris Prize.
The Iris Prize has gained the love and the support of L.G.B.T.+ film festivals from around the world. The award has made possible the first international award platform with the intent of raising the profile of L.G.B.T.+ cinema. It continues to help the new generation of filmmakers attain recognition in the international scenes. The year 2020 was the only year the festival in Cardiff could not hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event however continued smoothly online.
The Iris Prize is celebrated throughout October online and has been a source of inspiration to the L.G.B.T.+ community as it has given them the representation in the cinematic universe they deserve.
Iris Film Festival timeline
John Berwyn Rowlands establishes The Festivals Company.
The Festivals Company organizes the first Iris Prize Film Festival.
Iris Headquarters closes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
John Berwyn Rowlands receives a ‘St David Awards’ award for his work with the Iris Prize Film Festival.
Iris Film Festival FAQs
Where does the Iris Film Festival take place?
The Iris Prize Film Festival takes place in Cardiff, Wales.
When did the Iris Prize Film Festival start?
The Iris Prize Festival started in 2007.
Does the Iris Prize have a charity?
Yes, The Iris Prize has a charity called Iris Prize Outreach.
Iris Film Festival Activities
Attend the festival
What better way to celebrate this event than to attend the festival in Cardiff! There is so much to experience and enjoy, whether you are by yourself or with a loved one.
Watch the event online
Usually, watching a live event is the next best thing to being there in person. Many television stations or streaming sites, such as YouTube, may broadcast the event.
Celebrate on social platforms
Celebrate The Iris Prize Film Festival on your social media feed. Engage with others who are also celebrating by liking, commenting, or retweeting their posts.
5 Interesting Facts About The Iris Film Festival
Firm supporter
Cardiff University is a firm supporter of the Iris Prize Film Festival.
Makes the top 50 list
The Iris Prize Film Festival is one of the Top 50 film festivals in the world.
Insane cash price
The Iris Prize Film Festival award comes with about $30,000 to support the winning filmmakers make their next film.
Berwyn Rowlands started the event
Welsh creative producer, Berwyn Rowlands, started the event.
Its held in October
Since its debut in 2007, the Iris Prize Film Festival has been held in October.
Why We Love Iris Film Festival
It represents the L.G.B.T.+ community
The Iris Prize Film Festival stands firm in its support of the L.G.B.T.+ community. It gives the community creatives a voice and a platform to be recognized.
It promotes the L.G.B.T.+ cinema
People are encouraged to watch more L.G.B.T.+ movies as the light is shined upon them. It helps society appreciate and familiarize itself with L.G.B.T.+ content.
It supports starting-up filmmakers
The Iris PrizeFilm Festival supports filmmakers still trying to make a name for themselves and continue their work. Although the cash award goes to a lucky few, others still get featured in the spotlight.
Iris Film Festival dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 11 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | October 10 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | October 8 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 14 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | October 13 | Tuesday |
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