Cineworld Cardiff to host the 20th anniversary edition of Iris Prize, as the LGBTQ+ film festival returns home

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

• Cineworld Cardiff was home to the first Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival in 2007
• 2026 marks 20 years of global storytelling at the prestigious BAFTA and BIFA qualifying festival for British short film, which opens on Monday 12 October
• From a three-day event to a week-long run, Iris today boasts 672 submissions, a 20% increase on 2025, marking the highest total in the festival’s history
• “It feels very nostalgic to be returning to Cineworld in this anniversary year.” Berwyn Rowlands

The organisers of the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival – celebrating global stories and Cardiff charm are very pleased to share that they will be returning to their first home – Cineworld Cardiff – for the 2026 edition of the festival, which also marks its 20^th anniversary.

The Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival has played host to hundreds of filmmakers, producers, acting talent, big industry names, and this year will be no different, with the full programme yet to be unveiled.  This year, Iris has delivered its strongest number of open submissions to date, combining record-breaking volume with a broad international spread and a carefully balanced access strategy.

Mikie Davey, General Manager, Cineworld Cardiff said: “It is a true privilege to welcome the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival back to Cineworld Cardiff, returning to where it all began for its 20th anniversary. We have incredibly fond memories of collaborating with the team who established the festival back in 2006. We send our warmest congratulations to the Iris Prize on everything they have accomplished, and we cannot wait to help them create more magical cinema experiences and celebrate the unique charm of Cardiff together.”

Berwyn Rowlands, Iris Prize Festival Director, said: “It feels very nostalgic to be returning to Cineworld in this anniversary year. Together with Chapter in Canton, we will be back with the original Dream Team! Much has changed for Iris and the cinema sector, over the past 20 years. But some things remain the same and as a festival we need the best sound, the best picture and comfortable chairs to do our job properly. The audience expects nothing less than the best and I’m confident that Cineworld will look after us once again. I’m looking forward to creating more amazing memories with our friends at Cineworld.”

Weekend Pass Now 30% Off
Until 30 June, our Weekend Pass is now available at 30% off — the perfect excuse to be part of this special anniversary year.

Enjoy access to all film screenings, events, and exclusive festival moments across the weekend.  Explore the full benefits and book your pass here: https://irisprize2026.eventive.org/passes/buy

Full details about Iris can be found here:  www.irisprize.org

Iris Prize will return in 2026 for the 20^th edition on Monday 12 October until Sunday 18 October.

 The main festival sponsors are: The Michael Bishop Foundation; Creative Wales, a Welsh Government agency that supports the creative sectors in Wales; the BFI awarding funds from The National Lottery; Ffilm Cymru Wales; Film4; University of South Wales; Co-op Respect; Ymddiried – Media Grants Cymru, Bad Wolf; S4C; Gorilla Group; Pinewood Studios; Attitude Magazine; Diva Magazine; Movie Marker; The Ministry Venues; Transport for Wales; Stadium Plaza; and OUTflix. The festival also works in partnership with BAFTA Cymru and Pride Cymru.