🎬 Iris Prize Unveils Shortlist for Documentary Film Finance Fund – Three Queer Stories Vying for the Spotlight
The Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival has just dropped a dazzling announcement that’s got the UK’s queer film scene buzzing: three emerging filmmakers have been shortlisted for the coveted Iris Prize Documentary Film Finance Fund, sponsored by OUTflix and the University of South Wales. And trust us, these stories are anything but ordinary.
One lucky filmmaker will receive up to £20,000 to bring their 20-minute documentary to life, with the grand premiere set to open the 20th edition of the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival in October 2026. That’s right – opening night glory awaits.
🌈 The Shortlist That’s Got Us Talking
Let’s meet the trio of trailblazers whose ideas have made it to the final round:
Hidden in Conflict – Damian Kerlin Think you know everything about the Troubles? Think again. Damian Kerlin’s film dives into the untold stories of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community during this turbulent period. It’s a powerful blend of resilience, love, and the fight for visibility in the face of political and societal oppression.
Pan Trans True Romance – Amy Derrick Love, marriage, and identity collide in Amy Derrick’s intimate portrait of Tami and Ash, a couple navigating cultural and religious differences while facing the harsh realities of trans rights erosion. It’s tender, timely, and asks the age-old question: can love conquer all?
Wear I Am – Vicky Morton Inspired by the trans-led mutual aid project TIN Wardrobe, this poetic journey follows a gender-affirming care package from sender to recipient. Vicky Morton’s film is a quiet, powerful meditation on solidarity, visibility, and the simple beauty of being seen.
🎥 What Happens Next?
The shortlisted filmmakers will now take part in an online workshop, culminating in a pitching session where one project will be selected for production. The winner will be announced in September – and we’re already on the edge of our seats.
Angela Clarke, BAFTA-nominated documentary filmmaker and Iris Prize veteran, shared her excitement:
“As ever, it’s been great to see so many good documentary ideas being submitted for consideration to this year’s competition. I look forward to hearing more from our selected shortlist about their films.”
Philip Webb, COO of OUTtv, added:
“The UK is packed with burgeoning storytellers, drawing on history, culture, religion, visibility and more – and this year's shortlist is a reflection of the incredible talent bringing queer narratives to screen.”
📽️ A Legacy of Queer Excellence
This isn’t Iris’s first rodeo. The Fund has previously supported three standout documentaries:
Some Girls Hate Dresses (2022) – Mena Fombo’s exploration of Black British identity and tomboyhood.
Bender Defenders (2023) – Ira Putliova’s celebration of a queer Muay Thai club in East London.
Jackie (2024) – Emily Sargent’s tribute to lesbian trailblazer Jackie Forster, premiering at IRIS25 this October.
🗓️ Save the Dates
The Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival 2025 runs from Monday 13 October to Sunday 19 October, with Iris Online available across the UK from 14 October to 7 November. Passes for Industry Day and the full festival are now up for grabs – and yes, they include tickets to all in-person screenings.
