·      Guests celebrated Jacquie’s massive contribution to Lesbian visibility at The White Space, Ministry Venues in London

·      Denise Welch, Sinitta, Ross Kemp and Hannah Barrell MP congratulate Jacquie on her work in increasing lesbian visibility on tv and film

Jacquie Lawrence has been presented with the Iris Prize Fellowship for her work in promoting lesbians and women on television and film. The fellowship was presented at a glittering ceremony in The White Space, Ministry Venues, Borough in London with messages of support from Ross Kemp, Denise Welch, Sinitta and Hannah Barrell MP.

During an emotional acceptance speech Jacquie Lawrence congratulated the Iris Prize for sharing Lesbian stories as part of the LGBTQ+ mix. However, she also reflected that although there were encouraging developments with mainstream media, she felt in reality nothing had significantly changed in the visibility of lesbians over the past 30 years, and this was disappointing.

Berwyn Rowlands, Festival Director said: "The Iris Prize Fellowship is presented to honour those who have made a significant contribution to the UK film industry with a specific focus on LGBT+ stories. Jacquie Lawrence is the perfect example of what we were looking for. I’m delighted that we can shine a light on her contribution, and also say a massive thank you.”

During her time as a Commissioning Editor with Channel 4 she oversaw the Channel’s LGBT content such as Dyke TV & Queer Street, both of which garnered millions of viewers. Other highlights during her tenure were the co-commissioned Oscar nominated documentary The Celluloid Closet, the innovative Coming Out Night campaign that provided social action programming for LGBT teenagers and a feature-length documentary, Paragraph 175, which featured interviews with the last surviving homosexual prisoners of the Holocaust.

Speeches during the presentation were given by Fenton Bailey, Dawn Airey, Barbara Machin, Ross Kemp, Sinitta, Briony Hanson, Paul Burston and Fizz Milton. MP Hannah Barrell who was at the event went on to recognize the presentation to Jacquie Lawrence during a speech the following day in the House of Commons. 

Ross Kemp, documentary film maker and former actor in Eastenders said:

“Congratulations on receiving the Iris Prize Fellowship for all the work you’ve done over the years in promoting lesbians and women, but also for the quality of your work. I also owe you a huge thanks because without you I could never have made the transition from acting into doc making .”

Mark Harriott, Filmmaker & Production Designer said:
“Congratulations on this deserved award for your work in LGBTQI commissioning & filmmaking. ‘From the Gutter to the Stars’ you’ve been a beacon of working-class queer radiance, shining upon a flock of grateful independent filmmakers & artists for 3 decades now. Thank you for being a crazy, hilarious, creative, approachable but untameable visionary. You’re unique …it's a shame, but there’ll never be another Jacquie Lawrence.”

Linda Riley, Publisher, DIVA Magazine, who presented the Fellowship on the night said:
“I simply cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Iris Prize Fellowship than Jacquie Lawrence. A true pioneer for lesbian visibility and LGBTQI representation, her onscreen work is legendary both in our community and beyond. Throughout her career she has put LGBQTI stories centre stage, changing lives and helping so many of us to feel seen.”

The 2022 Iris Prize Fellowship presentation was sponsored by The Ministry Venues and DIVA Magazine.

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; Film 4; University of South Wales; Cardiff University; Co-op Respect; Bad Wolf; Gorilla Group; Peccadillo Pictures; Pinewood Studios; Attitude Magazine; Diva Magazine; The Ministry Venues; FROOT and Aberystwyth University. The festival also works in partnership with BAFTA Cymru, Pride Cymru and Stonewall Cymru.