The prestigious film festival will begin its 20th anniversary celebrations tonight by awarding the third Iris Prize Fellowship to the film publicist
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE PROVIDED
For 20 years, the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival has been spotlighting global queer cinema and providing lots of Cardiff charm. And today (30 January), the prestigious festival is beginning its anniversary celebrations by awarding the third Iris Prize Fellowship to film publicist Paul Smith at the flagship home of their cinema partners, Vue Leicester Square.
The Iris Prize Fellowship is the festival’s way of celebrating the often-unsung heroes who ensure audiences get to experience diverse LGBTQIA+ stories and voices on screen. And Paul is certainly one of those heroes. He’s an experienced film publicist who has been encouraging audiences to watch films, particularly LGBTQIA+ ones, for over four decades. Despite the increasing challenges of film marketing, Paul has succeeded in sharing his passion, delivering audiences coverage of wonderfully diverse projects.
Tom Abell, managing director of Peccadillo Pictures, and chair of the Iris Prize, said: “I can’t think of a more deserving person to receive this, the third Iris Prize Fellowship. Paul is one of the many unsung heroes whose tireless work behind the scenes is an essential part of bringing the work of LGBTQ+ filmmakers to audiences across the UK. I have worked with Paul on countless projects and know firsthand what a remarkable professional he is.
On being awarded the fellowship, Paul has said: “Having spent a seeming lifetime with film – whether as a spectator, a journalist, a lecturer or an industry professional – I have never in my wildest dreams imagined that such dedication would be rewarded. A publicist never seeks the spotlight and yet it is one of the many indispensable, invisible roles when communicating with a wider public. I feel honoured that my role in this has been recognised with the Iris Prize Fellowship.”
Iris Prize will return in 2026 for the 20th edition on Monday 12 October until Sunday 18 October.
Pssst… are you looking for more ways to join in Iris’ 20th birthday celebrations? Don’t miss out on Iris on the Move
This year’s Iris on the Move tour is in partnership with DIVA Film Festival, and there are lots of lesbian-focused films for audiences to swoon over. You can find out more here.
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
