We are a film and media organisation dedicated to showcasing and promoting LGBTQ+ stories, aiming to expand their reach and impact. Our organisation is driving a range of exciting projects designed to entertain, educate, and inspire.

Opening Night 2016

Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival

At the heart of our initiatives is the annual film festival, a highly anticipated event that celebrates the very best in queer cinema. With a diverse selection of films from around the world, Iris is home to the world’s largest LGBTQ+ short film prize – the coveted £30,000 Iris Prize. Supported by the Michael Bishop Foundation, the prize allows the winner to make their next LGBTQ+ short film here in Wales.

Channel 4 logo - Iris Prize Film Festival

Best British films on Channel 4

We are proud to have a valuable partnership with Film4, which enables us to showcase our Best British programme of short films to a massive viewership of over a million. Following the initial broadcast on Channel 4, all 15 shortlisted Best British films will be promptly available available for streaming on at channel4.com after the main festival.

Film Festival - Cardiff on screen 3

Iris On The Move

With Iris on the Move, our UK-wide touring program, we take our Best of Iris films on the road after the annual festival. Screenings have taken place across the UK  including cities such as Bangor, Belfast, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Manchester, Plymouth, and more. Together, we ensure that these powerful films reach diverse communities far and wide.

DOCUMENTARY FILM FINANCE FUND

Our Documentary Film Finance Fund sponsored by OUTflix and Aberystwyth University invests £20,000 annually in a British documentary, providing crucial funding to bring compelling stories to life.

Film Festival - Sexual Graffiti

Community

Our community work, funded by the generous support of the Lottery Community Fund, has resulted in the creation of 50 impactful short films. We also run community outreach projects in Wales & the UK throughout the year.

Film Festival - Geiriau still

Education

Iris Education is a project funded by Ffilm Cymru Wales which allows the Iris team to work with pupils from schools across Wales to tackle homophobic bullying.

Iris Summer Party 2022 - world’s largest LGBTQ+ short film prize

Membership

Join us on this remarkable journey as we continue to champion LGBTQ+ stories, celebrate diversity, and create meaningful connections through the power of film and media. Support Iris by becoming a Member which also provides exclusive benefits throughout the year!

Membership: £25 (valid for 1 year)

Iris Prize Productions

By offering the Iris Prize which – at £30,000 – is the world’s largest LGBTQ+ short film prize, Iris supports the development of up and coming filmmaking talent. Each year, the winning filmmaker of the coveted Iris Prize is invited back to the UK to make a new film with the support of the Iris Prize team.