Iris promises an Opening Night to remember

• Opening Night boasts four new films, including the world premiere of Never Never Never by John Sheedy – winner of the 2022 Iris Prize
• Showcasing Jackie, made by Emily Sargent, the third recipient of the Iris Prize Documentary Film Finance Fund sponsored by OUTFlix.
• S4C-commissioned Welsh language horror film Y Tolldy gets its first showing
• The filmmakers of tomorrow are represented for the first time at Opening Night by pupils of Willows High School in Cardiff and their Into Film’s Every Child A Filmmaker project, Snapped Strings
Iris is making her way home, and this year, Opening Night carries on its tradition of showcasing the best of made in Wales. The organisers of The Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival – celebrating global stories and Cardiff charm are pleased to invite you to attend our fabulous Opening Night on Monday, 13 October, at 7pm, at Vue Cinema, Stadium Plaza, Cardiff. Following the screenings there will be music with Welsh Chicks - a DJ duo formed of Molly Palmer and Daniel Abrams.

Get Tickets For opening night

Berwyn Rowlands, Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival Director, said: “Opening night for me is like Christmas morning, the excitement of seeing everybody arriving, knowing they’ve got 7 days to watch films, talk about films and enjoy Cardiff charm. I try not to get too excited and pace myself, which is difficult because for one week Cardiff becomes the most important place on Earth for people who love Iris and LGBTQ+ stories.”
Four very different films will be shown during Opening Night, including a Welsh language horror film; the premiere of a film made by the third recipient of the Iris Prize Documentary Film Finance Fund; and the world premiere of the 13th Iris Prize production, directed by Australia’s John Sheedy, winner of the 2022 Iris Prize, with Tarneit. And for the first time, a film telling the poignant story of a relationship mended, made by pupils of a Cardiff high school, features in the Opening Night line-up.

Never Never Never Teaser

Non Stevens, Into Film Cymru Programme Lead, said: "Into Film would like to congratulate the students of Willows High School for producing such the thought-provoking and powerful film, Snapped Strings as part of Into Film’s Every Child a Filmmaker project, and what better way of celebrating their hard work and achievements than screening it as part of the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival. This unique project, delivered in partnership with such a rich mix of partners, not only gave the young people an opportunity to explore the filmmaking process but also allowed them to discover the power of storytelling through film."
These are the films that we will be showcasing on Opening Night:
  • Snapped Strings, produced through Every Child A Filmmaker Project with IntoFilm and Willows High School. Wales, UK, 2025.
Estranged by grief, a teenage musician and his distant father begin to heal their fractured relationship when an unexpected event forces them to finally confront their shared pain. Snapped Strings was produced and funded through Into Film’s Every Child A Filmmaker project, working with Willows High School and Cardiff Council’s Curriculum Team. Every Child a Filmmaker is an inclusive filmmaking initiative which forms part of Into Film’s commitment to give every young person the opportunity to bring their ideas to life through film. The Every Child a Filmmaker programme has a particular focus on supporting children and young people from underserved and underrepresented communities across the UK.
  • Jackie, directed by Emily Sargent. Scotland, UK, 2025.
This short documentary explores the life of Jackie Forster, a groundbreaking yet largely unknown LGBT+ rights campaigner who ran an underground donor sperm operation to help the first queer women have children. This is the third film to be made with the Iris Prize Documentary Film Finance Fund sponsored by OUTFlix.
  • Y Tolldy, directed by Dan Thomas. Wales, UK, 2025.
This is a Welsh language horror comedy commissioned by S4C, starring Al Parr, Jona Milone, Iwan Garmon, and written by Al Parr & Dan Thomas. Y Tolldy is produced by Sarah Breese,
  • Behind the Scenes: Pink Portraits @ Bad Wolf, directed by Harrison Williams. Wales, UK, 2025.
We look behind the scenes as photographer Siria Ferer captures portraits of some of the LGBTQ+ individuals bringing some of the biggest television dramas to our screens with Cardiff-based production company Bad Wolf. A poignant and heartwarming story set in a Welsh fishing village. Henrick and Arwyn share a bond that transcends friendship, filled with unspoken longing and love. Henrick's love for Shirley Bassey's music is his way to overcome the conservative views of their community.  The film explores the struggles of Henrick and Arwyn as they navigate their feelings for each other in a society that may not fully accept them. This is the 13th film made by a winner of the Iris Prize.
The Iris Prize Festival has received support from the Welsh Government via Creative Wales. There are many ways to enjoy Iris, whether you’re with us just for an evening, a weekend or the whole festival and students receive a special discount for all feature and short film screenings. Iris Online, brings the festival’s short film magic right to your own screen. From 14 October to 7 November, you can enjoy the magic of Iris from the comfort of your home.

Iris Prize 2025: Monday 13 October – Sunday 19 October 2025. Iris Online will be available across the UK from 14 October to 7 November 2025.

Full details about Iris can be found here: www.irisprize.org

The main festival sponsors are: The Michael Bishop Foundation; Creative Wales, a Welsh Government agency that supports the creative sectors in Wales; the BFI awarding funds from The National Lottery; Ffilm Cymru Wales; Film4; University of South Wales; Co-op Respect; Ymddiried - Media Grants Cymru, Bad Wolf; S4C; Gorilla Group; Pinewood Studios; Attitude Magazine; Diva Magazine; Movie Marker; The Ministry Venues; Transport for Wales; Stadium Plaza; and OUTflix. The festival also works in partnership with BAFTA Cymru and Pride Cymru.

Mae Iris yn ôl ar gyfer 2025 ac mae'n addo Noson Agoriadol i'w chofio gyda phedair ffilm fer wych

  • Mae Noson Agoriadol yn cynnwys pedair ffilm newydd, gan gynnwys première byd-eang Never Never Never gan John Sheedy – enillydd Gwobr Iris 2022
  • Yn arddangos Jackie, a wnaed gan Emily Sargent, trydydd derbynnydd Cronfa Cyllid Ffilm Ddogfen Gwobr Iris a noddir gan OUTFlix.
  • Mae'r ffilm arswyd Gymraeg Y Tolldy, a gomisiynwyd gan S4C, yn cael ei dangosiad cyntaf
  • Cynrychiolir gwneuthurwyr ffilmiau'r dyfodol am y tro cyntaf yn Noson Agoriadol gan ddisgyblion Ysgol Uwchradd Willows yng Nghaerdydd a'u prosiect EveryChild A Filmmaker Into Film, Snapped Strings
Mae Iris ar ei ffordd adref, ac eleni, mae Noson Agoriadol yn parhau â'i thraddodiad o arddangos y gorau o waith a wnaed yng Nghymru. Mae trefnwyr Gŵyl Ffilm LHDTQ+ Gwobr Iris – sy'n dathlu straeon byd-eang a swyn Caerdydd – yn falch o'ch gwahodd i fynychu ein Noson Agoriadol wych nos Lun, 13 Hydref, am 7pm, yn Sinema Vue, Plasa'r Stadiwm, Caerdydd. Yn dilyn y dangosiadau bydd cerddoriaeth gyda Welsh Chicks – deuawd DJ sy'n cynnwys Molly Palmer a Daniel Abrams.
Dywedodd Berwyn Rowlands, Cyfarwyddwr Gŵyl Ffilm LHDTQ+ Gwobr Iris: “Mae’r noson agoriadol i mi fel bore Nadolig, y cyffro o weld pawb yn cyrraedd, gan wybod bod ganddyn nhw saith diwrnod i wylio ffilmiau, siarad am ffilmiau a mwynhau swyn Caerdydd. Rwy’n ceisio peidio â mynd yn rhy gyffrous a chadw fy hun yn gyflym, sy’n anodd oherwydd am un wythnos mae Caerdydd yn dod yn lle pwysicaf ar y Ddaear i bobl sy’n caru Iris a straeon LHDTQ+.”
Bydd pedair ffilm wahanol iawn yn cael eu dangos yn ystod y Noson Agoriadol, gan gynnwys ffilm arswyd yn y Gymraeg; première ffilm a wnaed gan drydydd derbynnydd Cronfa Cyllid Ffilm Ddogfen Gwobr Iris; a phremière byd-eang cynhyrchiad 13eg Gwobr Iris, a gyfarwyddwyd gan John Sheedy o Awstralia, enillydd Gwobr Iris 2022, gyda Tarneit. Ac am y tro cyntaf, mae ffilm sy'n adrodd stori deimladwy perthynas sy'n cael ei thrwsio, a wnaed gan ddisgyblion ysgol uwchradd yng Nghaerdydd, yn rhan o raglen y Noson Agoriadol.
Dywedodd Non Stevens, Arweinydd Rhaglen Into Film Cymru: "Hoffai Into Film longyfarch myfyrwyr Ysgol Uwchradd Willows am gynhyrchu ffilm mor bwerus ac ysgogol, Snapped Strings fel rhan o brosiect Every Child a Filmmaker Into Film, a pha ffordd well o ddathlu eu gwaith caled a'u cyflawniadau na'i dangos fel rhan o Ŵyl Ffilm LHDTQ+ Gwobr Iris. Rhoddodd y prosiect unigryw hwn, a gyflwynwyd mewn partneriaeth â chymysgedd mor gyfoethog o bartneriaid, gyfle i'r bobl ifanc archwilio'r broses o wneud ffilmiau, ond fe'u caniataodd hefyd i ddarganfod pŵer adrodd straeon trwy ffilm."
Dyma'r ffilmiau y byddwn yn eu dangos ar y Noson Agoriadol:
  • Snapped Strings, a gynhyrchwyd trwy Brosiect Gwneuthurwr Ffilmiau Pob Plentyn gydag IntoFilm ac Ysgol Uwchradd Willows. Cymru, DU, 2025.
Wedi ymddieithrio gan alar, mae cerddor yn ei arddegau a'i dad pell yn dechrau gwella eu perthynas wedi torri pan fydd digwyddiad annisgwyl yn eu gorfodi i wynebu'r boen a rennir ganddynt o'r diwedd. Cynhyrchwyd a chyllidwyd Snapped Strings drwy brosiect Gwneuthurwr Ffilmiau Pob Plentyn gydag IntoFilm, gan gydweithio ag Ysgol Uwchradd Willows a Thîm Cwricwlwm Cyngor Caerdydd. Mae Gwneuthurwr Ffilmiau Pob Plentyn yn fenter gwneud ffilmiau gynhwysol sy'n rhan o ymrwymiad Into Film i roi cyfle i bob person ifanc wireddu eu syniadau drwy ffilm. Mae rhaglen Gwneuthurwr Ffilmiau Pob Plentyn yn canolbwyntio'n benodol ar gefnogi plant a phobl ifanc o gymunedau danwasanaethedig a dangynrychioledig ledled y DU.
  • Jackie, cyfarwyddwyd gan Emily Sargent. Yr Alban, DU, 2025.
Mae'r ffilm ddogfen fer hon yn archwilio bywyd Jackie Forster, ymgyrchydd hawliau LHDT+ arloesol ond anhysbys i raddau helaeth a redodd weithrediad rhoddwr sberm tanddaearol i helpu'r menywod hoyw cyntaf i gael plant. Dyma'r drydedd ffilm i'w gwneud gyda Chronfa Cyllid Ffilm Ddogfen Gwobr Iris a noddwyd gan OUTFlix.
  • Y Tolldy, cyfarwyddwyd gan Dan Thomas. Cymru, DU, 2025.
Comedi arswyd iaith Gymraeg yw hon a gomisiynwyd gan S4C, gyda Al Parr, Jona Milone, Iwan Garmon, ac wedi'i hysgrifennu gan Al Parr a Dan Thomas. Cynhyrchwyd Y Tolldy gan Sarah Breese,
  • Behind the Scenes: Pink Portraits @ Bad Wolf, cyfarwyddwyd gan Harrison Williams. Cymru, DU, 2025.
Rydym yn edrych y tu ôl i'r llenni wrth i'r ffotograffydd Siria Ferer dynnu portreadau o rai o'r unigolion LHDTQ+ gan ddod â rhai o'r dramâu teledu mwyaf i'n sgriniau gyda'r cwmni cynhyrchu Bad Wolf o Gaerdydd.
  • Never Never Never, cyfarwyddwyd gan John Sheedy. DU/Awstralia, 2025.
Stori deimladwy a chynnes wedi'i lleoli mewn pentref pysgota Cymreig. Mae Henrick ac Arwyn yn rhannu cwlwm sy'n mynd y tu hwnt i gyfeillgarwch, yn llawn hiraeth a chariad di-lefar. Cariad Henrick at gerddoriaeth Shirley Bassey yw ei ffordd i oresgyn safbwyntiau ceidwadol eu cymuned. Mae'r ffilm yn archwilio brwydrau Henrick ac Arwyn wrth iddynt lywio eu teimladau tuag at ei gilydd mewn cymdeithas nad yw efallai'n eu derbyn yn llawn. Dyma'r 13eg ffilm a wnaed gan enillydd Gwobr Iris.
Mae Gŵyl Gwobr Iris wedi derbyn cefnogaeth gan Lywodraeth Cymru drwy Cymru Greadigol. Mae yna lawer o ffyrdd i fwynhau Iris, boed eich bod chi gyda ni am noson yn unig, penwythnos neu'r ŵyl gyfan ac mae myfyrwyr yn derbyn gostyngiad arbennig ar gyfer pob dangosiad ffilmiau byrion a ffilmiau byrion. Mae Iris Ar-lein yn dod â hud ffilmiau byrion yr ŵyl yn syth i'ch sgrin eich hun. O 14 Hydref i 7 Tachwedd, gallwch chi fwynhau hud Iris o gysur eich cartref.

Gwobr Iris 2025: Dydd Llun 13 Hydref – Dydd Sul 19 Hydref 2025. Bydd Iris Ar-lein ar gael ledled y DU o 14 Hydref i 7 Tachwedd 2025.

Prif noddwyr yr ŵyl yw: Sefydliad Michael Bishop; Cymru Greadigol, un o asiantaethau Llywodraeth Cymru sy'n cefnogi'r sectorau creadigol yng Nghymru; y BFI sy'n dyfarnu arian gan y Loteri Genedlaethol; Ffilm Cymru Wales; Film4, Prifysgol De Cymru; Co-op Respect; Ymddiried - Media Grants Cymru; Bad Wolf; S4C; Grŵp Gorilla; Pinewood Studios; Cylchgrawn Attitude; Cylchgrawn Diva; Movie Marker; The Ministry Venues; Trafnidiaeth Cymru; Plaza’r Stadiwm; ac OUTflix. Mae'r ŵyl hefyd yn gweithio mewn partneriaeth â BAFTA Cymru a Pride Cymru.