SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
Sunday, 01 June 2025
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Iris Prize
Monday, 13 October 2025 until Sunday, 19 October 2025
All the winners and nominees here
Now in our 19th year of celebrating LGBTQ+ film, Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival brings filmmakers from around the world to Cardiff, Wales, UK. Iris is home to the largest short film prize in the world - the coveted £40,000 Iris Prize, supported by the Michael Bishop Foundation, which allows the winner to make their next LGBTQ+ short film here in Cardiff.
As well as the chance to see the very best in current LGBTQ+ short and feature filmmaking, the festival shares panel discussions, special events and legendary parties. We are renowned for our open, friendly and collaborative atmosphere, which sees hundreds welcomed into our worldwide Iris Family every year.
Iris Prize is a BAFTA qualifying and BIFA Qualifying festival for short film and has been identified as one of the "50 film festivals worth the entry fee" by MovieMaker Magazine 5 times. For a fifth year running, all 15 Best British shortlisted films will be broadcast on Film4 after the festival, and available to stream on Channel 4 for one year.
Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival is planned to take place in person 13th - 19th October 2025 and online across the UK throughout October..
Films of all types are accepted, including animation and documentary. We have no premiere requirements.
We offer a 100% fee waiver to all Iris Alumni. If you have screened a film at Iris previously, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to obtain the waiver code.
Iris Prize supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation
The largest LGBTQ+ short film prize in the world with £40,000 to make your next LGBTQ+ short and an invitation to sit on the 2026 International Jury.
Iris Prize Best British Short supported by Film4
The winner will receive an exclusive screening of their film at Pinewood Studios complete with red carpet, and a welcome reception with drinks and canapes sponsored by Pinewood Studios Group. They will also be invited to be part of the 2026 Iris Prize Best British Jury. All films in the Best British 2025 shortlist will be broadcast on Film4 and streamed on Channel 4. A licence fee will be paid to all shortlisted Best British filmmakers. After the end of the Channel 4 window the Best British Short nominated films will be offered a non-exclusive second window on OUTTv's global platforms.
Best Performance in Female Role in a British short - £250 cash to the performer, sponsored by Out & Proud
Best Performance in a Male Role in a British short - £250 cash to the performer, sponsored by Out & Proud
Best British Performance Beyond the Binary - £250 cash to the performer, sponsored Out & Proud
Iris Prize Best Feature, sponsored by Bad Wolf
Best Performance in a Female Role in a feature film, sponsored by DIVA Magazine
Best Performance in a Male Role in a feature film, sponsored by Attitude Magazine
Best Performance Beyond the Binary in a feature film, sponsored by Peccadillo Pictures
Youth Jury Award
The following awards are sponsored by Mark Williams in memory of Rose Taylor.
Community Award - £250 to enable the community group to make more films
Education Award - £250 to enable the education/youth group to make more films
Micro Short Award - £100 to make more films