Best in gay and lesbian film offers $25,000 prize

Posted on September 28, 2008
Filed Under Gay News Blog

The Iris Prize Festival, which celebrates the best in gay and lesbian film from around the world, returns to Cardiff next week. With a £25,000 prize up for grabs, chair of the jurors, Elan Closs Stephens, reveals the aims of the event

DO you remember Dorothy? Yes, the Dorothy who wore sparkling red shoes in the movie classic The Wizard of Oz.

Judy Garland became a gay icon after playing her in the 1939 film and the expression “Friend of Dorothy” became a gay phrase.

These facts will help you understand the slogan and philosophy behind this year’s Iris Prize Festival: You don’t have to be a Friend of Dorothy to be a Friend of Iris.

Iris is an international gay and lesbian film festival, and at its heart it has the celebration of film and film excellence.

The Iris Prize, supported by the UK Film Council, allows the winning film-maker to return to Wales to make another short film.

As chair of the international jury, what I and my fellow jurors will be looking for is inspiration, communication, skill and creativity before we award the prize worth £25,000.

See Best in gay and lesbian film
WalesOnline, United Kingdom