35 short films compete for the 2018 Iris Prize

20 countries represented bringing together films featuring contemporary dance, brutal violence and challenging stories about gender

The £30,000 prize continues to be supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation

Organisers of the Iris Prize have today (13/08/2018) announced details of the 35 short films competing for the Iris Prize at the 2018 Iris Prize LGBT+ Film Festival. The winning director will be presented with £30,000 to make their next short film here in the UK, supported by the Michael Bishop Foundation.

Andrew Pierce, Iris Prize Chair, commented:
“This shortlist represents the very best in LGBT+ storytelling, offering a window into queer lives of the past, present and future. From love stories to tales of persecution, and from moving documentaries to joyous celebrations of freedom and pride.”

“I can’t wait to see them on a big screen and enjoy the conversations that flow after each screening. I’m always pleasantly surprised how much is packed into a short film.”  

David Llewellyn, Iris Prize Media Co-ordinator, commented:
“In previous years we’ve taken a kind of “Revels” approach to programming – you never quite know what to expect. There’s a lot to be said for that, but we’re also aware that audiences often want something a little more focused or tailored to their interests.”

“Certain themes always seem to emerge as the shortlists come together. In previous years, we’ve had an abundance of stories about parenting or disability or ageing. This year, we’ve noticed a number of films that tackled masculinity in interesting and provocative ways, and so we have a programme that brings together contemporary dance, brutal violence and challenging stories about gender.”

“Another programme deals with the idea of new beginnings. Stories tackling LGBT+ issues can be dark and upsetting, but the films in It’s a New Day are all life-affirming and positive, from the animated tale of a woman's deepest desires, to a meditation on bottoming that features an animated talking poo (an Iris first)."

The 35 short films competing for the 2018 Iris Prize are listed in full here:
www.irisprize.org/the-prize-2018/irisprize

The Iris Prize Montage features the music of Bright Light Bright Light. Lead singer Rod Thomas will entertain guests at the Iris Carnival which incorporates the Awards Show on Sunday 14 October: https://youtu.be/o3QUTgGOIZE

The full festival programme including 13 feature films, talks, and special events including the Producers Forum and Education Day will be announced on Tuesday 21 August.

The main festival sponsors are: The Michael Bishop Foundation, Welsh Government, BFI, Ffilm Cymru Wales, Pinewood Studios Group, Cardiff University, For Cardiff, Bad Wolf, Gorilla Group, Co-op Respect, Gelert Post Production and Cineworld. The festival also works in partnership with BAFTA Cymru, Pride Cymru and Stonewall Cymru. Iris on the Move is also funded by Film Hub Wales.