2026 Iris Prize

Breaking Walls

Journalist and activist Hoi Yi fights against the ever-growing global rise of surveillance and censorship, while suppressing his queer identity from his family. The personal repression he faces is reflected in his commitment to the freedom of others.

DIRECTOR:

Jan-Dirk Bouw

PRODUCER:

Koert Davidse - Marc Thelosen, Steven Dhoedt, Mette Cheng Munthe-Kaa, Johanna Dorothea Raita

WRITER:

Jan-Dirk Bouw

RELEASE YEAR:

2025

Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, 23 mins, Language: Dutch, English, Cantonese, Mandarin

Director’s bio
Jan-Dirk Bouw (He/Him/His) is an award-winning writer and director specializing in animated and documentary storytelling that explores identity, social justice, and the intersection of art and activism. Known for blending visual experimentation with emotional depth. His work has been supported by leading cultural institutions across Europe.

Mae’r newyddiadurwr a’r ymgyrchydd Hoi Yi yn ymladd yn erbyn cynnydd byd-eang cynyddol gwyliadwriaeth a sensoriaeth, gan guddio ei hunaniaeth cwiar rhag ei ​​deulu. Mae’r atalnwyd personol y mae’n ei wynebu yn cael ei adlewyrchu yn ei ymrwymiad i ryddid eraill.

Bywgraffiad y Cyfarwyddwr

Mae Jan-Dirk Bouw (Ef/Ef/Ei) yn awdur a chyfarwyddwr arobryn sy’n arbenigo mewn adrodd straeon animeiddiedig a dogfennol sy’n archwilio hunaniaeth, cyfiawnder cymdeithasol, a chroestoriad celf ac actifiaeth. Mae’n adnabyddus am gyfuno arbrofi gweledol â dyfnder emosiynol. Mae ei waith wedi cael ei gefnogi gan sefydliadau diwylliannol blaenllaw ledled Ewrop.

2026 Iris Prize Shortlist