🎬 Iris Industry Day Returns: A Celebration of Queer Storytelling and Creative Futures

After a five-year hiatus, the Iris Industry Day is making a triumphant return to Cardiff this October—and it’s bringing a powerhouse of talent, insight, and inspiration with it. Part of the beloved Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival, the Industry Day promises to be a vibrant hub for filmmakers, creatives, and media professionals eager to explore the future of queer storytelling and moving image content.

📅 Mark your calendars: Wednesday 15 October 2025 is the day Iris opens its doors to a global community of storytellers, dreamers, and doers.

A Festival with Heart—and Purpose

Now in its 19th edition, the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival has long been a beacon for bold, authentic narratives from around the world. Supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation and a constellation of creative partners, Iris is more than just a film festival—it’s a celebration of identity, artistry, and the power of representation.

Festival Director Berwyn Rowlands couldn’t be more thrilled:

“The Iris Industry Day is back by popular demand, and after a short break of five years, she’s ready to get on with it—please join us.”

And join us, you should. With a programme that spans everything from micro-budget filmmaking to global distribution strategies, this is a day designed to equip, inspire, and connect.

A Star-Studded Line-Up

Leading the charge is keynote speaker Dawn Airey, a titan of British broadcasting whose career includes top roles at Channel 4, Channel 5, BskyB, and ITV. Known for her fierce advocacy and visibility as a lesbian in UK media, Airey brings gravitas and warmth to the opening session.

“The Iris Prize is such an important landmark on the festival landscape,” Airey says. “I’m excited to be part of the IRIS 2025 celebration of LGBTQIA media.”

From there, the day unfolds into a rich tapestry of panels and breakout sessions:

• 🎥 Shorts Success: Learn how to make your short film stand out—from budgeting and sustainability to festival strategy and awards eligibility. Chaired by Tracy Spottiswoode, with speakers from BFI Network, BAFTA albert, and Festival Formula.

• 🎯 Reaching Your Audience: Discover why knowing your audience before production begins is key. This session includes breakout groups for tailored advice, featuring experts from HanWay Films, Peccadillo Pictures, and TLA Entertainment Group.

• 🎬 Shorts to Features: Making the leap from short-form to feature-length? Hear from filmmakers who’ve done it and learn how to turn momentum into opportunity.

• 💸 Self-financing & Micro-features: Real talk about budgets, creativity, and making it work when resources are tight. Expect candid insights from filmmakers who’ve walked the walk.

• 🌈 Authenticity Panel: Chaired by Michael Karam of Bulldozer Films, this session dives deep into crafting LGBTQ+ narratives that resonate globally. It’s about lived experience, representation, and the stories that matter.

And when the day winds down, the networking winds up. The Networking Reception, presented by Bulldozer Films and Ffilm Cymru, offers a relaxed space to meet fellow creatives, swap ideas, and maybe even spark your next collaboration.

Iris Welcomes All

One of the most refreshing aspects of Iris Industry Day? It’s open to everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a student just starting out, Iris is a space where curiosity and creativity are celebrated. Affordable student passes and a dedicated host ensure that newcomers feel supported and empowered.

As Rowlands puts it:

“We wanted to create a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and professional development, and help support a community of likeminded individuals passionate about the future of media.”

The Bigger Picture

The Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival runs from Monday 13 October to Sunday 19 October 2025, with Iris Online extending access across the UK until 7 November. Passes for Industry Day include entry to all in-person screenings that day, making it a full-circle experience of learning, watching, and connecting.

For full details and tickets, visit www.irisprize.org

Whether you’re a filmmaker, student, producer, or simply someone who believes in the power of stories to change the world—Iris Industry Day 2025 is calling. Cardiff awaits.