Brazil, Germany & Israel join Iris

The Festivals Company have confirmed that MIX Brazil, Hamburg International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and Israel International LGBT Film Festival have joined the family of partner festival for the Iris Prize - the world's largest gay and lesbian short film prize valued at £25,000. They join the global network of gay and lesbian film festivals who nominate a short film to compete for the Iris Prize, the world’s largest gay and lesbian short film prize.

"I am very pleased that the Israel International LGBT Film Festival will be joining the Iris Prize Festival. We have a strong indigenous film sector here in Israel and it is very important that the work of our finest film makers will be represented in Cardiff this October," said Yair Hochner, Festival Director.

"This is fantastic news for the Iris Prize Festival. Cardiff is a thriving Capital city which welcomes visitors from all four corners of the globe. These new Partners will help the festival in becoming a truly international event. We are very proud to be one of the main funders for the Iris Prize Festival and look forward to a thrilling competition in October," said Trevor Gough, Chief Officer Culture Leisure & Parks.

"I’m thrilled that Iris has a chance to work with these new partner festivals. They are responsible for showcasing gay and lesbian cinema in their respective countries and sometimes in very difficult situations. The importance of belonging to an extended family is at the heart of what makes the Iris Prize unique and today that global network is more complete," said Berwyn Rowlands from The Festivals Company and founder of the Iris Prize.

To find out more about the Iris Prize click here.