We have seen in the news recently disturbing images of anti-LGBT+ protestors picketing a UK school over its positive attitude towards diversity, a reminder that working with schools and other youth groups remains as important as ever. The Iris Prize has a strong and growing programme of outreach work here in Wales and beyond our border, with education remaining an essential part of our year-round work and the festival itself.  

With the invaluable support of Ffilm Cymru Wales, the Welsh Government, Cardiff University, University of South Wales, and Stonewall Cymru, our projects have helped pupils and teachers from a wide range of communities discuss issues surrounding sexuality, gender, and bullying, while allowing students to write and produce their own short films.  

The Iris Prize Festival 2019 includes our annual Education Day, in which students aged 11 and over are invited to take part in an interactive workshop and meet some of the visiting filmmakers. 

Pupils will also have a chance to pick one of our winning films for Cardiff University’s Iris Prize Youth Award. Education Day participants will choose from the four films shortlisted from this year’s programme by our Pre-selection Youth Panel. Their votes, together with votes cast during Pride Cymru’s Youth Festival (held on Saturday 12 October) will then decide the winner, which will be announced at the end of the festival.  

Any schools interested in participating in this free event should contact mark@irisprize.org.