Here at the Iris Prize LGBT+ Film Festival we are passionate about film and sharing of LGBT+ stories with as many people as possible. We do not censor the films submitted to us, and our pre-selection panels and partner festivals choose films based on the content and excellence in storytelling. At times the content of some of our films may be challenging or open discussion about subjects that viewers may not have considered before. We encourage respectful, positive, constructive and thought-provoking conversations both at our physical festival and online Any abusive language in these conversations will not be tolerated.
We do not accept hate speech aimed at members of the LGBT+ community or any other minority groups. Comments of this nature made on any of our online platforms will be deleted and the commenter may be blocked from participating or removed as appropriate. We will consider reporting any of these incidents when seen or heard to the police. For information in the UK a hate crime may be described as:
…when someone commits a crime against a person because of their disability, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion, or any other perceived difference.
It doesn’t always include physical violence. Someone using offensive language towards a person or harassing them because of who they are, or who they think they are, is also a crime. The same goes for someone posting abusive or offensive messages about someone online.
If anyone engaging with the festival, whether they are audience member, volunteer or staff, feels they have been inappropriately treated, or witnesses anyone else being inappropriately treated, we would ask that they speak with a member of the Iris Team or email report@irisprize.org to enable us to take action. A senior member of the Iris Team will then follow up with any proposed action ensuring the complainant details are protected unless otherwise agreed by them.
