Best of British...@ Iris 2014...

The Iris Prize, held every autumn in Cardiff, is a great showcase for LGBT short films from around the world. However this year they have announced plans for a new strand to celebrate the Best of British.

The new strand will screen up to 10 of the best short films produced by filmmakers in Britain over the past 24 months. The films will be judged by an independent British Jury who will present the winning film with the Iris Prize Best British Short Award.

“British films have always been well received at the Iris Prize Film Festival and we are delighted to be screening more British shorts this year. This new development will also allow Iris to have a closer relationship with more local film makers,” said Festival Chair Andrew Pierce.

“The Iris Prize has a well-established track record for celebrating international talent having presented the Prize to film makers from the US, Israel, Germany, Norway, Brazil and two from Australia. However as we grow there is an expectation for us to do more! This is what we are doing by launching the Best British Short Award!” he added.

More details about the Best British Short prize will be announced at a drinks reception in London to co-inside with the closing weekend of BFI Flare on 29 March 2014.

If you’ve got a film you’d like to submit (whether you’re a British filmmaker or not), here are some of the key dates for this year’s fest:

• • The submissions process is open and film makers can submit here: LINK
  • The closing date for submissions is Friday 4th July 2014.
  • All films submitted for the Best British Short will also be considered for the main Iris Prize.
  • The Best of British jury will be independent of the International Jury who will be responsible for the main Iris Prize.
  • The winner will be announced during the Iris Awards on Sunday 12th October 2014.