Award winners, audience favourites from the opening night – all unforgettable stories from the 2025 Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival, held annually in Cardiff and followed by Iris on the Move, a touring showcase bringing outstanding short films to venues across the UK.
From a haunted tollhouse to a high-rise reckoning, from quiet self-discovery to a love song by the sea, these films capture the brilliance, beauty, and bravery that define Iris. Featuring Y Tolldy, Blackout, One Day This Kid and Never, Never, Never, this programme celebrates the very best of Iris 2025 — films that moved audiences, impressed juries, and reminded us why Iris has never been just a festival.
Y Tolldy (15). Dir. Dan Thomas. Wales, UK. 10 mins. (2025 Opening night) Welsh with English subtitles.
When Emyr visits his hometown with his partner, a decade after vowing not to return, a chance meeting with his old school bully turns into a terrifying battle against forces they cannot explain.
Blackout (15). Dir. Chris Urch. UK. 15 mins. (2025 Best British Winner) English, no subtitles.
When a young man living in a high-rise is disturbed by domestic violence in the flat next door, he comes to realise that violence isn't always on the outside – sometimes it's with us all along.
One Day This Kid (15). Dir. Alexander Farah. Canada. 18 mins. (2025 Iris Prize Winner) English & Farsi with English subtitles.
As told by filmmaker Alexander Farah through a deftly composed array of small yet pivotal moments, a first-generation Afghan Canadian man takes steps toward establishing an identity of his own while always conscious of his father's shadow.
Never Never Never (15). Dir. John Sheedy. UK/Australia. 18 mins. (2025 Opening night) English & Welsh with English subtitles.
A poignant and heartwarming story set in a Welsh fishing village. Henrick (Ché) and Arwyn (Iwan Bond) share a bond that transcends friendship, filled with unspoken longing and love. Henrick's love for Shirley Bassey's music is his way to overcome the conservative views of their community. The film explores the struggles of Henrick and Arwyn as they navigate their feelings for each other in a society that may not fully accept them. This is the thirteenth film made by a winner of the Iris Prize.
Followed by a live Q&A with guests including actors Iwan Bond and Ché from Never Never Never.
