06 August 2015

 • S4C and Ffilm Cymru Wales work in partnership with the Iris Prize

• Short film to premiere at festival’s 10th anniversary in 2016

Organisers of the Iris Prize have today (6 August 2015) launched a new Welsh language LGBT short film scheme supported by S4C and Ffilm Cymru Wales via BFI NET.WORK.

The aim of the scheme - called Straeon Iris (Iris Stories) - is to encourage more LGBT stories for the screen, from Wales, about Wales, and in Welsh. The scheme is open to individual writers and also writer and director teams and will focus on developing up to six short film scripts before selecting one to go into production.

“We have been sharing our stories with as wide an audience as possible for almost 10 years. During this time we’ve seen some amazing LGBT stories in many languages from all over the world. As we reach our 10th anniversary I think it is only appropriate for Iris to look closer to home and support LGBT story telling through the medium of the Welsh language,” said Andrew Pierce Festival Chair.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with S4C and Ffilm Cymru Wales, who, between them have an unprecedented track record for supporting Welsh talent in Welsh and English. Through this partnership we will see LGBT stories from Wales in Welsh reach an international audience as we tap into our global network of partner festivals in 15 countries,” he added.

Gwawr Martha Lloyd, S4C Content Commissioner for Drama says; "Straeon Iris is a truly exciting project and we’re looking forward to working in partnership with the Iris Prize Festival and Ffilm Cymru Wales. As well as being an advocate for new Welsh drama, S4C is committed to reflecting diversity on screen. Straeon Iris promises to be an exciting opportunity for a cross section of voices to be heard, and will take the Welsh language across the world."

Tracy Spottiswoode, BFI NET.WORK Manager at Ffilm Cymru Wales added, “Straeon Iris is an important addition in our commitment to supporting diversity, reflecting the rich variety of voices and stories from Wales. This exciting opportunity follows our recent Welsh language script writing scheme Y Labordy and current short film initiative Beacons/Bannau, and we’re looking forward to expanding our work with the Iris Prize Festival, who we’re pleased to have supported since they started!”

The finished film will premier in Cardiff during the Iris Prize Film Festival’s 10th anniversary celebrations in October 2016.

Full details about the scheme are available at www.irisprize.org

See a trailer for Straeon Iris on YouTube

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