There’ll be much excitement in Cardiff this October as Iris spreads her wings and present’s the world’s largest LGBT short film prize, a magnificent £25,000 for the winner to make another short film. During the five day festival which takes place in Cineworld, Chapter and the Park Inn Hotel the festival will also showcase 8 new feature films.

The festival opens with the UK premiere of the highly anticipated Yossi by Eytan Fox. The film is a follow up to the award winning Yossi and Jagger (2002) and picks up the story of Yossi as a middle aged doctor who is unable to move on following the death of his lover.

The festival closes with Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same which needs very little explanation! Written and directed by Iris Prize alumnus Madeleine Olnek the film is an unapologetic, tongue firmly in cheek, comedy spoof based in New York. Madeleine will be at the screening.

“In this our sixth year, I wanted to go up a gear or two, to keep Iris fresh, exciting and relevant. Building on the firm foundations established during our inaugural festival back in 2007, I’m confident that 2012 will be seen as a landmark year for the festival,” said Festival Patron, Andrew Pierce.

“We’ve extended the festival by an extra day to enable us to present a more lavish awards show. Guests will be treated to a champagne reception before enjoying a three course lunch as part of the new ceremony, which will be hosted by Amy Lamé. Having seen Amy perform I know she will bring a sense of glamour and mischief to the awards show as we announce the winner of the 2012 Iris Prize,” he added.

The festival recently confirmed that Lisa Power MBE from the Terrence Higgins Trust will be chairing the 13 strong international jury.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be asked to Chair the Jury for the Iris Prize. I’ve been a member and supporter of Iris for several years and love its commitment to artistic diversity and internationalism as well as its sense of fun. It’s put Wales firmly on the international LGBT map and calendar and is a great ambassador for the country’s values,” said Lisa Power.

The jury also includes the much respected writer and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe and artist Ellie Harrison who was identified as “one to watch” in The Independent’s 2011 Pink List. The full list of jury members can be found here.

“The Iris Prize, thanks to the generous support of my fellow patron Lord Glendonbrook, continues to be the world’s largest short film prize valued at £25,000 offering a talented film maker the chance to make a new short film. Iris’ enthusiasm for supporting new and emerging talent is only matched by the quality of the work we receive, confirming without doubt that Iris represent’s the best of the best, said Andrew Pierce.

The organisers have also confirmed that Daniel Boys will be attending the premier of Little Man. Directed by Iris Prize winner Eldar Rapaport the film is Daniels first gay role and debut film. The popular musical theatre actor will also be attending the Iris Awards Show.

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