The Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival has announced an impressive lineup of 35 films from 22 countries, all vying for the prestigious Iris Prize. These films will be showcased from 12-18 October during the festival’s 20th anniversary year. The winning filmmaker will receive £40,000 to produce a new LGBTQIA+ short film in Wales.
The shortlist is a vibrant tapestry of stories, spanning 14 different languages and formats. Berwyn Rowlands, the festival director, expressed his emotions about the selection process, especially during this milestone year. “I get very emotional at this time of year, and possibly more in this 20th anniversary year when you are reminded about the filmmakers who came before, the pioneers, the brave, the visionaries, and the quite amazing storytellers,” he shared.
Themes and Highlights of the 2026 Shortlist
This year’s festival promises a rich exploration of themes such as grief, love, friendship, family, and identity. DIVA readers might find particular interest in films like Jennifer Drake’s God Is Grey which delves into older lesbian love and grief. Olivia Cade’s Lesbian Ditch Day questions the impacts of queerbaiting on audiences, while David McDonagh’s documentary Queen Lizzy explores the life of queer travelers. Anushay Sheikh’s Same Time Next Year? follows Safa as she navigates the complexities of family and an angry ex during Jummah.
The Inaugural Iris Prize Student Short Film Award
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival has introduced a new category: the Iris Prize Student Short Film Award. Six films from UK and Ireland-based students have been shortlisted, with the winner to be announced on 15 October after Industry Day. The jury for this new award is chaired by the acclaimed Welsh actor, writer, and director Tom Cullen, who is currently filming on the Amazon series Life Is Strange.
Tom Cullen expressed his admiration for the quality of the shortlisted films, stating, “The quality of the shortlisted films is quite amazing, and confirms the future of storytelling via film is in safe hands.” The shortlisted films include Abracadabra by Amay Mehrishi, Chaser by Jesse Williams, Deep End by Puzhen Zhang, Dirty Parrots by Siân A. Williams, Mis-Angel by Wyatt Carson, and The Bet by Jack Patterson. These films represent alumni from prestigious film schools such as the London Film School, the National Film and Television School (NFTS), and the Royal College of Art.
Berwyn Rowlands, the festival director, expressed his excitement about the new award and the involvement of Tom Cullen. “We are thrilled to announce the shortlist for this new award, especially for our 20th anniversary edition. It is an absolute pleasure to welcome Tom Cullen as our Jury Chair for the inaugural student awards,” he said.
For more information about the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival and to explore the full list of shortlisted films, visit .
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