There are so many gorgeous films that are led by lesbian, sapphic and trans characters at this year’s festival
BY NIC CROSARA
The hotly anticipated and much-loved LGBTQIA+ film festival, Iris Prize, is returning to Cardiff next week (13-19 October). And as someone who had the privilege of being part of this year’s International Jury – alongside Tom Paul Martin, Dima Hamdan, Francis Brown, Ivy Kelly, Jad Salfiti, Laith Jaafar, Rajdeep Choudhury and Susie Yankou – I can confirm that you don’t want to miss out. There is a rich abundance of films that centre lesbian, sapphic and trans characters. Whether you’re looking for something otherworldly, thought-provoking, absurd or heartwarming, there is something for every kind of queer film enthusiast on the programme.
Around the world, we are seeing a decline in LGBTQIA+ rights. There is a rise in censorship, far-right ideologies and hostility toward those from marginalised communities. It feels, to me, more important than ever that a festival such as Iris exists. It is so important that we champion global LGBTQIA+ stories and filmmakers. Queer folks from all walks of life should be able to see their realities reflected on screen.
Here are some shorts screening at this year’s festival that I think DIVA readers will love
Dandelion by Fiona Obertinca
If you loved the way that the TV show A League Of Their Own showed that queer people have always found ways to exist and find joy, even when we were not able to live as openly as we are now, then you’ll love this one. It follows Margaret, a rebellious queer teen who has been thrown out of yet another foster placement. She goes on quite the journey when she meets a mysterious social worker who is tasked with finding her a new home before the break of dawn.
Buscando Alma by Melissa Fisher
This deeply moving short follows Cristina, a transgender Honduran-American woman who was separated from her mother, Alma, when she was a small child. Both of the women have spent the last 20 years processing their trauma. Finally, Christina manages to locate Alma. But when she thinks of trying to reunite with her mother, she fears rejection as she has now embraced her authentic self.
I’m The Most Racist Person I Know by Leela Varghese
If you’re looking for some ab-building laughter, this short packs a comical punch while still managing to deliver an important message. What starts as an awkward encounter between two queer brown women, Lali and Ana, soon turns into a genuine and strong connection as the two discuss the realities of existing and dating when you’re brown. The conversation shows Lali that she needs to confront some of the things she has internalised.
Rainbow Girls by Nana Duffuor (Pictured in article header)
I desperately want to see this one turned into a feature-length film. This rich and character-driven story is set in the gentrified San Francisco. We see three young Black trans women decide to take matters into their own hands by staging an audacious heist targeting the city’s most exclusive brands. You’ll fall in love with all three.
Organza’s Revenge by Walter Scott
The titular character is a broke artist living in deep space and is travelling across the galaxy seeking revenge on her ex in order to cure her mysterious illness. This truly refreshing, original and iconic short does so much in just 20 minutes. It will leave you both satisfied and hungry to see more of Organza’s world.
Clementine by Sally Tran
This colourful short follows a late-blooming trans woman who is questioning whether she wants bottom surgery or not. With the help of her trans masc bestie, she (and the viewer) are taken on a very educational and very vivid tour of the vulva. There’s a lot of comedy in this one, but it also has a monologue that will stay with you after you finish watching.
Pssst… have you read our interview with lesbian writer-director Charlotte Cooper yet? Her debut film, Bury Your Gays, has been shortlisted for this year’s Iris Prize Best British.
Haven’t got your tickets for this year’s festival yet? Check out the official programme and be sure to get yours now via irisprize.org/2025-box-office.
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