Cardiff’s Iris Prize Launches Full 2024 Programme

• 2013 Iris Award winner returns to Cardiff from Australia with his first feature
• Stories that reflect the world we’re living in today at the heart of 2024 film festival
• Filmmakers prepare for the annual trip to Cardiff as Iris family grows

A film festival we are now extremely proud to be an official media partner for.

The organisers of the Cardiff-based Iris Prize who offer the largest LGBTQ+ short film prize in the world, were thrilled to launch their full programme in London’s The Ministry – Borough on Monday 9 September 2024.

The 2024 programme can be viewed here: https://issuu.com/irisprizefestival/docs/iris_prize_-_programme_book_2024_english_web_?fr=sZTk5YzY1NTg1NDY

It marks the opening of the Box Office’s general sales, with Iris Members having had the opportunity to buy their Full Festival Passes, Day Passes, and Weekend Pass and Tickets a full week earlier.  

The Box Office is available here: https://irisprize.org/2024-box-office/

The 18^th Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival – celebrating global stories and Cardiff charm will take place across the city between Tuesday 8 – Sunday 13 October 2024.  This year’s programme boasts more than 60 short films, 13 stunning feature films, the annual Iris Gig, eight Iris Talks, Opening Night, and the fabulous Awards Show. Billed as a chance to meet some of the most talented creatives from around the world, as they wish to welcome you to their Festival HQ at Stadium Plaza, home to Vue Cinema, for almost a week of filmmaking talent.

Berwyn Rowlands, Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival Director, said:

“There’s always an excitement at this time of year as we prepare to welcome filmmakers from all over the world to Cardiff for the festival. Some are first time visitors and about to experience Cardiff charm for the first time. Many are returning for their annual week of celebrating global LGBTQ+ stories and Iris magic.

“The Iris Family gets bigger every year, and this is reflected in the number of film makers who join us. I’m thrilled to welcome 2013 Iris award winner Tim Marshall back to Cardiff with his new dark feature film In the Room Where He Waits. Tim will also be joined by fellow Australian film maker Gabriel Carrubba, who’s feature Sunflower stars Liam Mollica in the working-class Melbourne-based coming of age drama. Both will be attending the screenings to introduce their films.

“I’m also delighted to be sharing Perfect Endings the latest feature by 2011 Iris Prize winner Daniel Ribeiro, the colourful and sexy story of João and Hugo who end their 10-year relationship but stay best friends. It is very satisfying to see how Iris winners are progressing with their movie careers.”

Minister for Creative Industries, Jack Sargeant, said:

“Year-on-year, the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival inspires and unites, bringing stories to life which not only reflect the diversity of today’s world but that of the LGBTQ+ communities here across Wales too.

“As the festival launches for 2024, we are excited to be able to support Iris for another year and witness the incredible talent of filmmakers – both returning and new – who will share their voices, promote change and empower others through such creativity.”

This year, they have 13 fantastic feature films from Australia, Brazil, UK, Canada, USA, Greece, Argentina, Belgium and Netherlands, and Philippines. Here’s just a taster: 

Last ExMas, directed by 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! 

Life of Riley, directed by Jacquie Lawrence. UK. 2024 90 mins. (English)

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 guests during this screening which includes a Q+A with Linda Riley and Jacquie Lawrence.

Sunflower, directed by Gabriel Carrubba. Australia. 2023.  84 mins. (English, No subtitles)

In the outer suburbs of Melbourne 17-year-old Leo leads a seemingly typical life. Amidst hanging out with friends, bickering with his Italian family at the dinner table, going to school, and making out with his girlfriend Monique, Leo guards a secret he’s afraid to confront – a hidden truth buried deep within.

Both Gabriel and Liam Mollica (Leo) will be attending the screening.

There are many ways to enjoy Iris, whether you’re with them just for an evening, a weekend or the whole festival, with students receiving a special discount for all feature and short film screenings. 

Iris is also 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 tickets and passes are available to buy online now – irisprize.org/2024-box-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, Thurs, 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 

 Festival Venues 

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