WELCOME TO THE FESTIVAL CELEBRATING GLOBAL STORIES AND CARDIFF CHARM!
It is a joy to present in Cardiff the 18th edition of the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival held in person from the 8 through to the 13 of October, and on-line (shorts only) in the UK till the end of October.
At a time when we are seeing more and more LGBTQ+ stories available on mainstream platforms, the Iris Prize continues to be important and relevant as we share authentic stories that the mainstream can sometimes be accused of ignoring.
I appreciate the world can feel like a dark place and many LGBTQ+ people are still subjected to prejudice, hate crime and other horrors. Therefore, it is inevitable that this year’s programme reflects this. However, in the spirit of defiance, confidence and celebration I ask you to join us at the festival to experience some amazing uplifting, funny and sexy LGBTQ+ stories, meet talented directors, actors and writers, party like it’s 1999 and experience Cardiff charm. If you are returning you know what to expect; if you are a Cardiff virgin you have so much to experience including the amazing Cardiff gay scene.
This printed programme is the perfect start to your journey with Iris and on our website, you can find even more information about our programme of 13 feature films, 14 programmes of shorts, daily talks and other activities including the annual gig and the Saturday lunch at the Clayton Hotel.
Many thanks to our funders and sponsors, the film makers who share our stories and to you our audience, which increased by 22% last year as we returned to the cinema, started meeting friends old and new and discovered the delights of Cardiff charm.
Enjoy Iris 2024
Berwyn Rowlands FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
VENUES & ACCESS
VUE CARDIFF
Main venue and Festival hub
Stadium Plaza, Wood Street, Cardiff CF10 1LA
CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE
Market Road, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1QE
USW ATRIUM THEATRE
The University of South Wales, Adam Street CF24 2FN
Stadium Plaza is a short walk across Central Square from Cardiff Central Station and the Cardiff Bus Interchange. Chapter Arts Centre is about a mile out of the city centre and served by Cardiff Bus services 13, 17 and 18 from the city centre to Canton Police Station.
For detailed access information please see our website irisprize.org/access or email us at access@irisprize.org
TICKETS & PASSES
There are many ways to enjoy Iris, whether you’re with us just for an evening, a weekend or the whole festival and students receive a special discount for all feature and short film screenings.
We are pleased to announce the return of Iris Online, bringing the festival’s short film magic right to your own screen. From 9 October to 31 October immerse yourself in the Iris experience from the comfort of your home.
All our tickets and passes are available to buy online now – irisprize.org/2024box-office – or in person from the festival hub in Stadium Plaza throughout the festival from 3pm on Tuesday 8 October.
FULL FESTIVAL PASS £140
Includes all screenings and events, including Opening Night, Awards Show, Saturday lunch at the Clayton, parties including the Silent Disco and a discount code to buy Iris Membership for £5.
WEEKEND PASS £90
Valid Fri-Sun for all screenings and events including the Awards Show, Saturday lunch at the Clayton, parties including the Silent Disco and a discount code to buy Iris Membership for £10.
DAY PASS £30
Valid for one day (Wed, Thur, Fri, or Sat) including all screenings for that day. Note the Saturday pass does not include the Awards Show but does include the Silent Disco.
ONLINE PASS £10
Valid Wed 9 October through Thu 31 October. Access all 9 of the international shorts programmes, 3 Best British shorts programmes, Iris Shorts and some bonus content!
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
Opening Night £15 / £14
Gig £12 / £11
Feature Film Programmes £8 / £7
Short Film Programmes £7 / £6
Awards Show £15 / £14
Silent Disco £5 / £4
TEAM IRIS ARE UNSTOPPABLE!
I want to congratulate them on last year’s festival and how they brought the audience back and delivered Iris in an entirely new location. I am always truly amazed by what Berwyn’s team will achieve despite whatever problems they encounter along the way and recent years have not been easy.
They had to deal with moving offices at short notice and ensured that Iris continued to function during Berwyn’s time away due to illness. I’m delighted to see Berwyn back and I’m sure he would like to join me in thanking Team Iris for all their hard work.
And what a year we have had, delivering a new Pink Portraits collection with staff from Transport for Wales, completing our three-year Iris Outreach project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, filming Never, Never, Never with 2022 Iris Prize winner John Sheedy and delivering more than 35 short film screenings in Wales and the rest of the UK as part of Iris on the Move. We also returned to China, India and Ireland with the Best of Iris!
Putting together something like Iris takes a lot of effort and although Team Iris is superhuman, they are supported by a growing number of individuals who help with fundraising and sponsorship, jury duty including preselection viewing, hosting visiting film makers, the list goes on and on. A BIG thank you from me and my fellow trustees.
I’m looking forward to celebrating global LGBTQ+ stories, meeting friends old and new and all under the spell of Cardiff charm this October. And if you spot me at Iris, come and say “hello”, I’d love to hear what you think about my favourite film festival in the world.
TOM ABELL CHAIR IRIS PRIZE OUTREACH LIMITED.
OPENING NIGHT
Tuesday 8 October 2024
7pm till 11pm
Vue Cinema
Opening Night is always special, and 2024 promises to be the best as we start celebrating global stories and Cardiff charm. The evening is presented by Angharad Mair (Heno, S4C) and includes four amazing short films, and some very special guests including Heather Small. After the formalities are over, the party moves to the splendour of level 3 of the Stadium Plaza with dancing supervised by Jolene Dover, and drinks and nibbles courtesy of the Co-op.
WHERE ARE ALL THE GAY SUPERHEROES
Dir: Tom Paul Martin
UK, 2023, 15 mins
An LGBTQIA+ crowd-pleaser, combining elements of sci-fi, drama and comedy. Professional superheroes Sterling and Meridian have just finished saving the day (again) when suddenly, they find themselves in a rare moment alone. The suits come off, but when old tensions and old enemies return, our “heroes” learn the dark truth about who they are underneath.
FISITOR
Dir: Llyr Titus
Wales (UK), 2024, 15 mins (Welsh, with English subtitles)
Stalked by grief for his husband and a nightmarish creature from Welsh folklore, Ioan must do his best to survive Christmas Eve.
BENDER DEFENDERS
Dir: Ira Putilova
UK, 2024, 25 mins
The story of four members of a queer Muay Thai club in London. The club focuses on confronting rising hate crime by teaching martial arts to queer, trans and non-binary people and running self-defence classes for their community.
TETH
Dir: Peter Darney
Wales (UK), 2024, 12 mins (Welsh, with English subtitles)
Following surgery, Ioan and his father adapt to their new relationship as father and son, that is until the dog mistakes a nipple for a chew toy.
11:45
VUE SCREEN 2
YOUTH SHORTS
A package of short films from the 2024 Iris Prize Programme for young people living in Wales to enjoy and to choose as the winner of the Youth Jury Prize.
Until Today | Dir: Megan Lyons | UK | 15 Mins
After her overbearing mother arranges a loveless marriage, a young aristocrat must consider the price of familial duty when it threatens a forbidden romance with her best friend.
SKIN | Dir: Leo Behrens | USA | 7 mins
SKIN is a poetic exploration of identity and self-discovery, using visual symbolism to depict a woman's transformation into a man.
Jia | Dir: Vee Shi | Australia | 15 mins
A grieving Chinese mother travels to Australia and embarks on a road trip with Eric, to remember her late son. Ming's conservative values are tested when she learns Eric was her son's lover.
Gigi | Dir: Cynthia Calvi | France | 14 mins
From the tormented little mermaid to the fulfilled woman she is today, Gigi tells us about her gender transition with humour and sensitivity.
HAPPY IN YOUR OWN SKIN
An experience with conversion therapy, a new connection, navigating cultural expectations with a sex worker, emerging into your new self.
These films explore different journeys of accepting yourself.
14:00
VUE SCREEN 2
INTERGENERATIONAL STORIES
Title of the Screening
Iris Prize International Shorts
78 mins
Iris Prize Shorts 72mins
A family faced with threats, a heartwarming phonecall from a Romani Grandmother, overcoming cultural and language barriers, one elderly man’s dream, a mother’s moment in the spotlight.
These stories highlight the relationships between people of different ages.
Hici dionseque prae veratio temquasintur mod ut archillabo. Ut exera del ex etum vento blabore peditatiis dolor am, nianimp ostiis volupid endebitati ullorrorio. Nequis dic tem dem volorio repedi cusanda quosamenis dolorporiae elenis seque niminvel idunt qui quas as de sunturi onsequa mustendi totame laccabo. Nequidebit expel ipsapiet occum voluptam, elestemporro vel maiossum velenis quidest remquis eicitis ea corum volori dem illest exped
Film Title | Dir: | Country | 00 Mins
Blood Like Water | Dir: Dima Hamdan | Palestine | 14 mins
Film Title | Dir: | Country | 00 Mins
Mami | Dir: Alecio Araci | Sweden | 7 mins
Film Title | Dir: | Country | 00 Mins
Jia | Dir: Vee Shi | Australia | 15 mins
Pill Nation | Dir: Bruno Tadeu | Brazil | 22 mins
The Performance | Dir: Claire Zhou | Netherlands | 20 mins
WED 09 OCT 14:45
VUE SCREEN 1
SUN 13 OCT 20:00
CHAPTER 1
PERFECT ENDINGS
Dir: Daniel Ribeiro (Brazil, 2024)
João and Hugo end their 10-year relationship but stay best friends. As they start dating again, uncontrollable emotions arise, contrasting the planned perfection of their breakup.
This is Iris Prize winner Daniel’s second feature to screen in Cardiff.
Runtime 100 mins Portugese, English Subtitles
16:30
VUE SCREEN 2
COMMUNITY, MICRO & EDUCATION AWARDS
At Iris everybody’s story is relevant. This selection of films include no-budget and low budget stories, poetry and non-linear works and what was known as artist’s film and video. Some of the work is by brand new storytellers and others from experienced filmmakers. Expect to be stimulated and challenged in equal measure!
Community, Education and Micro-shorts
71 mins
COMMUNITY:
Three Letters | Dir: Michael Graham | 6 mins
Pearls | Dir: Aude Konan | 13 mins
Silent Spring | Dir: Helen Eve Kilbride | 7 mins
The Bridges We Cross | Dir: Iris Van Dongen | 9 mins
Unchartered Waters: Generations of LGBTQ+ Pride in the Royal Navy | Dir: David Mark Graham | 8 mins
Heron | Dir: Samuel W. Ross | 16 mins
MICRO SHORT:
You Know The Rules | Dir: Owen Tooth | 1 min
Develop | Dir: Emily James | 2 mins
Facade | Dir: Sophia VI | 2 mins
Queer Enough | Dir: Gemma Reynolds | 1 min 30 sec
Hot Mess | Dir: Lee Campbell | 1 min
STD | Dir: Lee Campbell | 2 mins
Kindness Begins with Me | Dir: Ian H Watkins | 1 min 30 sec
EDUCATION:
Forbidden Reverie | Dir: Yisong Huang | 4 mins
WED 09 OCT 19:00
VUE SCREEN 1
HIDDEN MASTER: THE LEGACY OF GEORGE PLATT LYNES
Dir: Sam Shahid (USA, 2023)
An intimate look at a pioneering, openly gay artist, who took radically explicit photographs of the male nude.
We are delighted to present this screening with our partners Ffotogallery.
Runtime 96 mins
English
WED 09 OCT
20:00
VUE SCREEN 2
SUN 13 OCT
19:00
VUE SCREEN 1
LAST EXMAS
Dir: Sarah Rotella (Canada, 2024)
Maggie and Julianne are ex-girlfriends who unexpectedly rekindle the spark during a hometown visit for the holidays. Are they meant to be? They’ll have to navigate their feelings, the gossiping town, and ghosts of exes past to find out.
Sarah Rotella returns to Cardiff having presented Almost Adults in 2016, the most popular lesbian feature in the history of Iris!
Runtime 88 mins
English
We are delighted that Sarah Rotella will be attending the screening in Cardiff.
THUR 10 OCT 12:00
VUE SCREEN 1
FORBIDDEN FRUIT
Iris Prize International Shorts 75 mins
A young girl discovering herself through dance, an animated journey through transition, dealing with dating and self-worth, and a lighthearted exploration of bodies.
These films focus on women and girls learning to be the truest version of themselves despite challenges.
11:01 | Dir: Jimi Drosinos | UK | 29 mins
Gigi | Dir: Cynthia Calvi | France | 14 mins
iykyk | Dir: Bonita Rajpurohit | India | 18 mins
Come Correct | Dir: Molly Coffee | USA | 15 mins
THUR 10 OCT 12:15
VUE SCREEN 2
SUN 13 OCT 14:30
VUE SCREEN 1
YOUNG HEARTS
Dir: Anthony Schatteman (Belgium and Netherlands, 2024)
Elias develops feelings for his new neighbour Alexander. He soon realizes he’s falling in love for the first time.
Young Hearts was selected, and received a Special Mention, in the Generation Kplus section at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, where it had its world premiere.
Runtime 97 mins
Dutch/French, English Subtitles
10 OCT 14:30 VUE SCREEN 2
THE PAST INTO FOCUS
A search for Grandmother’s lost lover, returning to your childhood town after loss, and confronting the person who made your school life miserable. These films are all about exploring former relationships. Don’t Forget Me | Dir: Alice Wang | Canada | 19 mins
THUR 10 OCT 14:45
VUE SCREEN 1
SAT 12 OCT 17:15
VUE SCREEN 1
THE SUMMER WITH CARMEN
Dir: Zacharias Mavproeidis (Greece, 2023)
While having a day-long swim at Athens’ queer beach, best friends Demos and Nikitas recall the events of a recent summer in the prospect of turning them into a screenplay for Nikitas’ feature debut.
Runtime 106 mins
Greek, English Subtitles
THUR 10 OCT 17:00
VUE SCREEN 2
RESILIENCE
Iris Prize International Shorts 75 mins
A tense work dinner, lesbian island rebellion, a woman in crisis, and an emotional reunion.
These difficult films portray strength in adversity.
all the words but the one | Dir: Nava Mau | USA | 18 mins
Heroines | Dir: Astré Desrives | France | 29 mins
Niloo | Dir: Mehdi Koushki | Iran | 10 mins
Where We Stay | Dir: Florence Bouvy | Netherlands | 23 mins
VUE SCREEN 1
INDIA’S 1ST BEST TRANS MODEL AGENCY
Dir: Ila Mehrotra (UK, 2024)
Over seven years, activist Rudrani Chettri creates a company to champion India’s hijra people, considering the culture’s schisms and complex roots while moving them away from traditional hardships.
We are thrilled that Ila Mehrotra joins us for this screening.
Runtime 85 mins English, Hindi with English Subtitles
We are delighted that Ila Mehrotra will be attending the screening in Cardiff.
THUR 10 OCT 19:30
VUE SCREEN 1
IRISH SHORTS in conjunction with GAZE
Iris Prize International Shorts 80 mins
Intimacy from a distance; at odds with parenting; voyeurism; a breakdown in language risking heartache; and unrequited infatuation.
Here we have five short films that challenge convention in different ways.
DirtyTalk | Dir: Eva Wyse | Ireland, 2024 | 16 mins
ThisIsNotAnAttackOnYourParenting | Dir: Rory Fleck Byrne | Ireland, 2024 | 17 mins
NeverKillaFemboyonTheFirstDate | Dir: Oonagh Kearney | Ireland, 2024 | 17 mins
Homofónia | Dir: Luke K. Murphy | Ireland, 2023 | 11 mins
AMŒBA | Dir: Ian Fallon | Ireland, 2023 | 16 mins
THUR 10 OCT
20:00
VUE SCREEN 2
SUN 13 OCT
16:45
VUE SCREEN 1
SUNFLOWER
Dir: Gabriel Carrubba Australia, 2023)
A 17-year-old boy struggles to understand and embrace his sexuality as he comes of age in the working-class suburbs on Melbourne’s edge.
Runtime 84 mins
English
We are delighted that Gabriel Carrubba will be attending the screening in Cardiff.
FRI 11 OCT 11:45
VUE SCREEN 1 SAT 12 OCT 16:15
VUE SCREEN 2
INTO THE UNKNOWN
Iris Prize Best British Shorts 79 mins
Coping with climate change, a young man’s battle with his identity, hookup anxiety, exploring queer rage, sobriety as a drag queen, and an unexpected connection.
These protagonists are navigating their individual challenges.
Water’s Edge | Dir: Jason Barker | 15 mins
Fairview Park | Dir: Aymeric Nicolet, Ellie Hodgetts | 14 mins
I Hope He Doesn’t Kill Me | Dir: Lyndon Henley Hanrahan, Nora Dahle Borchgrevink | 14 mins
Rage Consumes Me | Dir: Felix Waverley-Hudson | 5 mins Miss Temperance | Dir: Jeremy McClain | 13 mins G Flat | Dir: Peter Darney | 18 mins
12:00
VUE SCREEN 2
LIVED TRANS STORIES
Iris Prize International Shorts 79 mins
Exploring gender and togetherness, a disturbing project, an incarcerated artist, and finding your twin flame.
This programme looks at individual’s relationship with gender and what impact this has on the relationships they form with the people around them.
Alok | Dir: Alex Hedison | USA | 19 mins
Terratoma | Dir: Liadán Roche | Ireland | 24 mins
Love, Jamie | Dir: Karla Murthy | USA | 20 mins
MnM | Dir: Twiggy Pucci Garçon | USA | 15 mins
FRI 11 OCT 14:00 VUE SCREEN 1 SAT 12 OCT 14:00 VUE SCREEN 2
FAMILY DYNAMICS
Familial duty vs young love, a drag queen’s fatherly role, budding queerness in a cult, an elderly woman shocks her relatives, and polyamorous mice!
This programme is an exploration of what family means to different people.
Diomysus: More Than Monogamy | Dir: Emily Morus-Jones | 5 mins Iris
Until Today | Dir: Megan Lyons | 15 mins
Making Up | Dir: Ryan Paige | 15 mins
Sister Wives | Dir: Louisa Connolly-Burnham | 28 mins
Rejoyce! | Dir: David Ledger | 15 mins
14:45
VUE SCREEN 2
SUN 13 OCT
12:15
VUE SCREEN 1
ROOKIE
Dir: Samantha Lee (Philippines, 2024)
A tall, awkward teenager moves to a new town and is forced to join the volleyball team of her new all-girl Catholic high school. Everything changes when she falls for the volleyball team captain.
Samantha’s Billie and Emma was a popular part of our 2019 programme, this is her second feature to screen in Cardiff.
Runtime 94 mins
Tagalog, English Subtitles
TAKING THE PLUNGE
VUE SCREEN 2
ROOTS
Iris Prize International Shorts 80 mins
Comparing reserve vs. city life, a history of risky religious romance, making amends with an old friend, being trans in a secluded farming community.
This programme looks at the interactions of times past that shape a person and their choices.
Marungka Tjalatjunu (Dipped in Black) | Dir: Matthew Thorne & Derik Lynch | Australia | 24 mins
Dildotectónica | Dir: Tomás Paula Marques | Portugal | 16 mins
Former Best Friend | Dir: Feicien Feng | Hong Kong | 27 mins
mar(i)cona | Dir: Cande Lázaro | Spain | 13 mins
VUE SCREEN 1
LIFE OF RILEY
Dir: Jacquie Lawrence (UK, 2024) FRI 11 OCT 19:00
A candid and intimate film following the eventful life of activist, publisher and creator of diversity awards, Linda Riley. Combining interviews with fly-on-the-wall filming gives an insight into the “Head Lesbian of the World” as she navigates the world of celebrity and politics.
Expect some special guest during this screening which includes a Q+A with Linda Riley and Jacquie Lawrence.
Runtime 90 mins
English
We are delighted that Jacquie Lawrence will be attending the screening in Cardiff.
20:00
VUE SCREEN 2
SOLO
Dir: Sophie Dupuis (Canada, 2023)
Set in Montreal’s vivacious drag scene, this tender character study from writer-director Sophie Dupuis (Underground) focuses on a talented young performer whose past and present merge in unexpected ways.
Runtime 102 mins
French, English Subtitles
21:30
VUE SCREEN 1
IN THE ROOM WHERE HE WAITS
Dir: Timothy Despina Marshall (Australia, 2024)
A queer theatre actor waits in a hotel room before his father’s funeral. Convinced there is someone or something in the room with him, he must come face-to-face with all that haunts him, in a fight for his life.
Tim is one of 4 Australian film makers to have won the Iris Prize, we are delighted he returns to Cardiff for this screening of his first feature.
Runtime 82 mins
English
We are delighted that Timothy Despina Marshall will be attending the screening in Cardiff.
12
10:15
VUE SCREEN 1
TAKE A CHANCE ON ME
Iris Prize International Shorts 66 mins
An emotional catch-up phone call, a new business venture, and a rocky road trip.
This programme explores the line between being friends and the desire for a deeper connection.
I Never Promised You a Jasmine Garden | Dir: Teyama Alkamli | Canada | 20 mins
Bunk | Dir: Piotr Jasiński | Czech Republic | 21 mins
Honyemoon | Dir: Alkis Papastathopoulos | Greece | 25 mins
VUE SCREEN 1
DANGEROUS LIAISONS
An actor and a cowboy enter each other’s worlds, two trans women cross paths, a journalist faces the wrath of the internet, a lonely older cellist.
These stories showcase the impact of a fleeting interaction with an unfamiliar person.
Dir: Rachel Dax (UK, 2024) SAT 12 OCT 14:45
VUE SCREEN 1
GREER RALSTON – GIVING IT ALL TO ART
An intimate portrait of figurative artist Greer Ralston as she astonishes us with her exceptional talent and tells of her plans to devote herself solely to art.
This is Rachel’s first feature length documentary, and we are delighted she will be attending the screening for a post Q+A.
Runtime 61 mins
English
We are delighted that Rachel Dax will be attending the screening in Cardiff.
IRIS AWARDS 2024
Sat 12 Oct
19:00
USW Atrium Theatre
And after at the Silent Disco from 22:00 in Clwb Iris, Stadium Plaza
After a week of watching the films and talking about the films we get to discover who the juries believe deserve the awards. This very special evening is when we meet to celebrate excellence in storytelling. The following awards will be presented:
IRIS PRIZE
supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation
The largest LGBTQ+ short film prize in the world with £30,000 to make your next LGBTQ+ short and an invitation to sit on the 2025 international jury.
IRIS PRIZE BEST BRITISH SHORT
sponsored by Film4 and Pinewood Studios
The winner will receive an exclusive screening of their film at Pinewood Studios complete with red carpet and a welcome reception with drinks and canapés. All shortlisted films will be broadcast on Channel 4 and streamed on their online streaming service for 12 months.
BEST BRITISH PERFORMANCE
IN A FEMALE ROLE
BEST BRITISH PERFORMANCE
IN A MALE ROLE
BEST BRITISH PERFORMANCE
BEYOND THE BINARY
The performance awards are sponsored by Out & Proud with the winners receiving a cash award of £250.
IRIS AWARDS 2024
IRIS PRIZE YOUTH JURY AWARD
Best short for young people – chosen by young people.
IRIS PRIZE CO-OP AUDIENCE AWARD
This award for the audience’s favourite film is voted for by the festival audiences in-person and online. It is presented in November.
IRIS PRIZE BEST FEATURE FILM sponsored by Bad Wolf
IRIS PRIZE BEST PERFORMANCE
IN A MALE ROLE IN A FEATURE FILM sponsored by Attitude Magazine
IRIS PRIZE BEST PERFORMANCE
IN A FEMALE ROLE IN A FEATURE FILM sponsored by DIVA Magazine
IRIS PRIZE BEST PERFORMANCE
BEYOND THE BINARY IN A FEATURE FILM sponsored by Peccadillo Pictures
Three awards sponsored by Mark Williams in memory of Rose Taylor were presented at the end of the Community, Education and Micro-shorts programme on Wed 9 October:
COMMUNITY AWARD
£250 to enable the community group to continue making films
EDUCATION AWARD
£250 to support the school/college/youth group to make further films
MICRO SHORT AWARD
£100 to enable the filmmaker to make further films.
20:00
VUE SCREEN 1
SUN 13 OCT
17:30
CHAPTER 1
VERA
& THE PLEASURE OF OTHERS
Dir: Romina Tamburello and Federico Actis (Argentina, 2023)
Vera, in between school and volleyball classes, rents out an empty flat to teenagers looking for a place to have sex. A way to make money develops into Vera’s discovery of her own sexual desires.
Runtime 100 mins
Spanish, English Subtitles
SUNDAY AT VUE
13 October 2024
Vue Screen 1
12:15 ROOKIE
Dir: Samantha Lee (Philippines, 2024)
94 mins. (Tagalog, English subtitles)
A tall, awkward teenager moves to a new town and is forced to join the volleyball team of her new all-girl Catholic high school. Everything changes when she falls for the volleyball team captain.
Samantha’s Billie and Emma was a popular part of our 2019 programme, this is her second feature to screen in Cardiff.
14:30 YOUNG HEARTS
Dir: Anthony Schatteman. (Belgium and The Netherlands, 2024)
97 mins. (Dutch/French, English subtitles)
Elias develops feelings for his new neighbour Alexander. He soon realizes he’s falling in love for the first time.
Young Hearts was selected, and received a Special Mention, in the Generation Kplus section at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, where it had its world premiere.
16:45 SUNFLOWER
Dir: Gabriel Carrubba. (Australia, 2023)
84 mins (English)
A 17-year-old boy struggles to understand and embrace his sexuality as he comes of age in the working-class suburbs on Melbourne’s edge.
19:00 LAST EXMAS
Dir: Sarah Rotella. (Canada, 2024)
88 mins (English)
Maggie and Julianne are ex-girlfriends who unexpectedly rekindle the spark during a hometown visit for the holidays. Are they meant to be? They’ll have to navigate their feelings, the gossiping town, and ghosts of exes past to find out.
Sarah Rotella returns to Cardiff having presented Almost Adults in 2016, the most popular lesbian feature in the history of Iris!
SUNDAY AT CHAPTER
13 October 2024
Chapter Screen 1
14:30
BEST OF IRIS 2024
And the winners are! This is your first chance to see the short film winners from the 2024 Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival.
The programme will include the winners of the Iris Prize, Best British, Youth Award and the performance awards.
17:30
VERA AND THE PLEASURE OF OTHERS
Dir: Romina Tamburello and Federico Actis. Argentina. 2023.
100 mins. (Spanish, English subtitles)
Vera in between school and volleyball classes, rents out an empty flat to teenagers looking for a place to have sex. A way to make money develops into Vera’s discovery of her own sexual desires.
20:00
PERFECT ENDINGS
Dir: Daniel Ribeiro. Brazil. 2024
100 mins (Portugese, English subtitles)
João and Hugo end their 10-year relationship but stay best friends. As they start dating again, uncontrollable emotions arise, contrasting the planned perfection of their breakup. This is Iris Prize winner Daniel’s second feature to screen in Cardiff.
TALKS
TUES 14:00 - USW Atrium Theatre KATE HERRON IN CONVERSATION
Kate Herron opens Iris Prize 2024 with this exclusive Q&A session. From Marvel’s Loki, Doctor Who, Sex Education, and Five by Five, Kate has made an indelible mark on our watch history. The writer-director, working across film, television and comic books has captured global audiences with her storytelling, with an upcoming episode of The Last of Us still on the horizon. You don’t want to miss this!
WED 10:00 - VUE SCREEN 2 EDUCATION DAY TALK
Join us for our annual education day talk, discussing the importance of accessible LGBTQ+ stories for all ages, the filmmaking process and more! If you represent a school that may be interested in attending Iris, please get in touch adnan@irisprize.org
WED 14:00 - STADIUM PLAZA LOST BOYS & FAIRIES
Delve into the groundbreaking queer Welsh drama with writer Daf James, and producer Adam Knopf. Lost Boys and Fairies follows the adoption journey of a gay couple, with trouble in their past threatening to derail the process and jeopardise their future. Spoiler Warning! Be sure to watch the series ahead of this talk.
TALKS
THU 10:00 - VUE SCREEN 2
THE RISE OF SUBTITLES
(WELSH LANGUAGE SESSION)
The rise of subtitles! From Young Royals to Squid Game, language is no longer a barrier to huge audiences enjoying great storytelling. Join us for our first ever all Welsh language discussion, as we explore the hopes and possibilities for the doors this will open next.
Hosted by Adam Price. Translation facilities available.
THU 14:00 - STADIUM PLAZA
THE FUTURE OF TRANS REPRESENTATION ON SCREEN
Iris alum Harvey Rabbit welcomes a panel of filmmaking guests. This discussion of trans and non-binary storytelling and representation will be far-reaching, exploring existing projects and the trans experience we’re yet to see on screen.
FRI 10:00 - VUE SCREEN 2
QUEER ARCHIVE
Back after popular demand! The Queer Archive ‘In or Out’ discussion returns, with panellists battling it out to argue why their chosen film deserves to be immortalised in the LGBTQ+ cinematic archive. Hosted by Paul ‘Stumpy’ Davies.
TALKS
FRI 14:00 - STADIUM PLAZA
DIVA PRESENTS
The world’s leading magazine for LGBTQIA women and non-binary people brings together award-winning filmmakers Karimah Zakia Issa (Scaring Women at Night) and Sara Harrak (F**ked) in conversation, discussing the importance of queer women and NB storytellers in the future of the industry. Hosted by DIVA Editor-In-Chief Roxy Bourdillon.
SAT 10:00 - VUE SCREEN 2
IRIS ALUMNI PANEL
Some of Iris’ most notable alumni return to Cardiff to discuss their journeys from shorts to feature films, and the trials and tribulations of independent filmmaking. A must see for all aspiring filmmakers and long-time Iris goers!
JURIES
INTERNATIONAL IRIS PRIZE JURY 2024
Roxy Bourdillon
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF DIVA
Ryan Chappell
DIVERSITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL PURPOSE LEAD, S4C
Karimah Zakia Issa FILMMAKER AND WINNER OF THE 2023 IRIS PRIZE
Ila Mehrotra FILMMAKER
Adam Price CHAIR MEMBER OF THE SENEDD
Harvey Rabbit ARTIST AND FILMMAKER
Greg Thorpe
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR OF GAZE INTERNATIONAL LGBTQIA FILM FESTIVAL
Claire Vaughan
PROGRAMME MANAGER, CHAPTER ARTS CENTRE, CARDIFF
Nat Wilding
CO-OP STORE MANAGER AND STEERING COMMITTEE FOR THE CO-OP’S LGBTQ+ COLLEAGUE NETWORK
BEST BRITISH JURY 2024
Sara Harrak
BRITISH-MOROCCAN DIRECTOR AND WINNER OF THE 2023 IRIS PRIZE BEST BRITISH SHORT
Tim Highsted CHAIR
SENIOR FILM EDITOR OF ACQUIRED FEATURE FILMS FOR CHANNEL4 AND ITS PORTFOLIO OF CHANNELS
Sabrina Khan
OWNER AND DIRECTOR, MAASI’S
Laith Jaafar, MSc Assoc CIPD
CO-CHAIR OF RESPECT, THE LGBTQI+ COLLEAGUE NETWORK AT CO-OP
Guto Rhun YOUNG AUDIENCES COMMISSIONER AT S4C
Gary Slaymaker
FILM REVIEWER
Wednesday 09 – Thursday 31 Oct 2024
Watch at https://watch.eventive.org/irisprize2024
We are thrilled to be able to share our short film programmes on-line for the fifth year. If you live in the UK, you can watch all 35 of the international shorts and 15 Best British shorts when you want and where you want.
We’ve also thrown in a few extras for you, including some Iris Prize productions from the archive and our recently concluded Iris Community Films project.
And don’t forget you can also vote for your favourite short – the short with the most votes will be presented with the Iris Prize Co-op Audience Award.
TEAM IRIS
The Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival is produced by the Festivals Company Limited.
Director: Berwyn Rowlands
Company Manager: Grant Vidgen
Head of Outreach and Social Media: Holly Russell-Allison
Head of News and Translator: Lynne Reynolds
Head of Technical: Kris Francies
Content Producer: Harrison Williams
Programming Co-Ordinator and Marketing Support: Seth Edmonds
Web Editor and Marketing Executive: Adnan Ahmed
Iris Industry Co-ordinator: Lewis Bayley
Volunteer Co-ordinators: Francis Brown and Nick McNeil
Marketing Support Interns: Eve Robinson, Liv Eveleigh and Gemma Willmott
Presentation Co-ordinator: Stuart Pomeroy
Additional Content Producer: El Bergonzini
Screening Asset Assistant: Michael Karam
Jury Co-ordinator: Mathew David
Documentary Fund Advisor: Angela Clarke
Catalogue Designer: Samo Chandler
We’re grateful to Becky and her team at Vue Cardiff and Claire and the team at Chapter for making Iris feel at home and providing excellent screening facilities. We couldn’t bring you the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival without our team of amazing volunteers, event production team from University of South Wales, and interns from Cardiff University.
Thank you!
Iris Prize Outreach Limited, registered charity 1149914, challenges discrimination on the grounds of sexuality and promotes the exhibition of LGBTQ+ stories on film.
Trustees: Tom Abell (Chair), Helios B, Suzy Davies, Jacquie Lawrence, Heather Small, Christopher Racster, Katie White
Tuesday 8 Oct | Dydd Mawrth 8 Hyd
14:00 Kate Herron in Conversation (Talk) USW Atrium
19:30 Opening Night Vue 4
20:45 Party: Opening Night Clwb Iris
23:00 Sing & Spin The Kings
Wednesday 09 Oct | Dydd Mercher 09 Hyd
10:00 Youth Talk Vue 2
11:45 Youth Shorts Vue 2
12:00 Happy in Your Own Skin (Iris Prize) Vue 1
14:00 Intergenerational Stories (Iris Prize) Vue 2
14:00 Lost Boys & Fairies (Talk) Clwb Iris
14:45 Perfect Endings Vue 1
16:30 Community, Micro & Education & Awards Vue 2
19:00 Hidden Master Vue 1
20:00 Last ExMas Vue 2
22:00 Drinks Mary’s
Thursday 10 Oct | Dydd Iau 10 Hyd
10:00 Sgwrs Cymraeg Vue 2
12:00 Forbidden Fruit (Iris Prize) Vue 1
12:15 Young Hearts Vue 2
14:00 The Future of Trans Representation on Screen (Talk) Clwb Iris
14:30 The Past Into Focus (Iris Prize) Vue 2
14:45 The Summer With Carmen Vue 1
17:00 Resilience (Iris Prize) Vue 2
17:15 India’s 1st Best Trans Model Agency Vue 1
19:30 Irish Shorts with GAZE Vue 1
20:00 Sunflower Vue 2
22:00 International Karaoke Golden Cross
Friday 11 Oct | Dydd Gwener 11 Hyd
10:00 The Queer Archive - In or Out? Vue 2
11:45 Into the Unknown (Best British) Vue 1
12:00 Lived Trans Stories (Iris Prize) Vue 2
14:00 DIVA Presents (Talk) Clwb Iris
14:00 Family Dynamics (Best British) Vue 1
14:45 Rookie Vue 2
16:30 Taking the Plunge (Best British) Vue 1
17:00 Roots (Iris Prize) Vue 2
19:00 Life of Riley Vue 1
20:00 Solo Vue 2
21:00 Iris Gig: Jason Kwan & GIRLBAND! Clwb Iris
21:30 In the Room Where He Waits Vue 1
Saturday 12 Oct | Dydd Sadwrn 12 Hyd
10:00 Iris Alumni Talk Vue 2
10:15 Take a Chance on Me (Iris Prize) Vue 1
11:45 Taking the Plunge (Best British) Captioned Vue 2
12:30 Dangerous Liaison (Iris Prize) Vue 1
13:30 Pass Holders’ Lunch Clayton Hotel
14:00 Family Dynamics (Best British) Captioned Vue 2
14:45 Greer Ralston - Giving It All to Art Vue 1
16:15 Into the Unknown (Best British) Captioned Vue 2
17:15 The Summer With Carmen Vue 1
19:00 Iris Awards 2024 USW Atrium
20:00 Vera & the Pleasure of Others Vue 1
21:00 Silent Disco Clwb Iris
Sunday 13 Oct | Dydd Sul 13 Hyd
12:15 Rookie Vue 1
14:30 Young Hearts Vue 1
14:30 Best of Iris 2024 Chapter 1
16:45 Sunflower Vue 1
17:30 Vera & the Pleasure of Others Chapter 1
19:00 Last ExMas Vue 1
20:00 Perfect Endings Chapter 1