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Attitude to continue sponsorship of Iris Prize LGBTQ Film Festival

The partnership enters its seventh year in 2023.

By Alastair James

Tank Fairy, Iris Prize
Attitude is continuing its sponsorship of the Iris prize LGBT Film Festival for another year in 2023. (Image: Provided)

Attitude is pleased to announce that its sponsorship of the Iris Prize LGBTQ Film Festival is set to continue for another year in 2023.

The partnership between the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ media brand (across print, digital, online, social, video, and live events) and the best-selling gay magazine in the UK and Europe, and the Cardiff-based film festival began in 2017, making 2023 the partnership’s 7th year.

“As the world’s largest LGBTQ+ short film prize it kind of made sense that the Iris Prize should partner up with Attitude Magazine,” says Berwyn Rowlands.

“The sponsorship from Attitude has been instrumental in helping Iris reach a wide, global audience. I’m thrilled that we are going to be celebrating our 7th year with Attitude.”

Attitude’s editor-in-chief, Cliff Joannou, adds, “It’s wonderful to see the return of the Iris Prize. A truly inspiring festival that brings a diverse collection of filmmakers and actors from around the world to Cardiff for an inspiring weekend of cinematic joy. A shining example of queer excellence, Attitude is proud to be a media partner with Iris Prize for 2023.”

2022 marked the 16th edition of the Festival, which saw the biggest gathering of LGBTQ+ filmmakers yet with 51 short films in competition throughout the festival as well as features, micro-shorts, community and education shorts, industry talks, and the annual education day.

Over the six days, the 36 short films in competition for the £30,000 Iris Prize International Short Film Competition supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation were on show, as were the 15 short films competing for the Iris Prize Best British Short, supported by Film4; and 12 feature films, including premieres from Iris alumni and member of this year’s Iris Prize jury Dennis Shinners (Barrio Boy), and Trevor Anderson (Before I Change My Mind). 

This year the Iris Prize was won by Tarneit, directed by John Sheedy. The prize enables filmmakers to make another short film in Wales.

Tarneit, directed by John Sheedy (Australia) is the winner of the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Short Film Prize, supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation
Tarneit, directed by John Sheedy (Australia) is the winner of the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Short Film Prize, supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation (Image: Provided)

Meanwhile, Queer Parivaar, directed by Shiva Raichandani, won the Iris Prize Best British Short category, supported by Film4 and Pinewood Studios.

Raichandani will receive a package of services sponsored by Pinewood Studios Group and all of the nominated films in this category are eligible for BAFTA consideration and can automatically be entered by the filmmakers. 

After the festival, Jim was announced as the winner of the Iris Prize Co-op Audience Award for 2022. The film also won Best Performance in a Male Role for Gary Fannin as the titular character.

All 15 short films nominated for the 2022 Iris Prize Best British award are available to watch on All 4.

Iris Prize will return next year between Tuesday 10 October – Sunday 15 October 2023. Full details about Iris Prize and this year’s winners can be found here.