Born in Cardiff and loved around the world, the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival is a global celebration of LGBTQ+ storytelling where filmmakers, dreamers, and audiences come together to share the power of film. In 2026, Iris turns 20, marking two decades of laughter, love, and unforgettable stories that have shaped a worldwide family. At the heart of Iris is the £40,000 Iris Prize, the largest short film prize in the world, supported by the Michael Bishop Foundation. Each year, the winner is invited to create their next LGBTQ+ short film right here in Cardiff. We are also proud to partner with Film4, bringing the Best British Shortlisted Films to Channel 4, the UK’s biggest free streaming platform, so audiences everywhere can experience the magic of Iris stories. And the celebration continues beyond Cardiff. From February 2026, our annual touring programme Iris on the Move will once again share the best films from the festival with venues across the UK.
This October, the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival celebrates its 20th edition, bringing a week of incredible LGBTQ+ films, filmmakers, special guests, conversations, celebrations and, of course, a few legendary Iris parties to Cardiff.
From Opening Night on Monday 12 October to the moment we discover who will take home the £40,000 Iris Prize on Sunday 18 October, there’s something happening every day:
12 Oct — Opening Night
13 Oct — Education Day
14 Oct — Community Day
15 Oct — Industry Day
16 Oct — Best British Day
17 Oct — Iris20 Celebration
18 Oct — Iris Prize Winner Announcement
Along the way, discover some of the best contemporary LGBTQ+ short and feature films from around the world, meet the people who made them and join audiences, filmmakers and friends from across the globe in the city where Iris began.
Can’t make it to Cardiff? Iris Online brings the films to audiences across the UK from 13–31 October.
Seven days. 20 years of Iris. One big celebration. See you in Cardiff.
• Iris Industry Day features some of the biggest names in British and global media, including Bad
Congratulations to Mathew David on being recognised as a Local Hero by FOR Cardiff. Mathew David sa
The countdown to Iris20 has begun! Join us in Cardiff from 12–18 October 2026 as we celebrate 20 years of incredible LGBTQ+ storytelling. Browse festival passes and get yours now!
