The Iris Prize, the largest LGBT+ short film prize in the world, has premiered in Cardiff. Supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation, £30,000 is up for grabs for the winner to support them on the creation of a new LGBT+ themed film in the UK. In 2020 Iris was identified as one of the top 50 film festivals by Movie Maker Magazine and was promoted to A-list festival status by BAFTA, alongside Cannes and Sundance.
Six of the short films played at the premiere are made in Wales, with 36 films making the final cut for the international Iris Prize. The opening night was held in Cardiff at Premiere Cinemas, setting the season of what has been described as the LGBT+ 'short film Oscars' by critics.
One of the Welsh-made films played at the premiere included 'Cardiff'. The dark comedy, which follows a man on his return to Cardiff and into the dating scene, perfectly encapsulates the reality for some navigating Wales' capital in search of love. Whilst we could describe the film for you, it's blurb perfectly lays out the premise. It reads: "Perpetually single, Frederick envies his fabulous gay friend Joe, who seems to have a never-ending supply of paramours despite being happily married himself. But when Frederick’s meddling mother arrives for a visit, she thrusts him into a forbidden romance, and a series of unforeseen betrayals hilariously expose some carefully held secrets. Being human isn't for sissys."
