Three powerful films were also given special mentions at the 2026 celebration of LGBTQIA+ cinema
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE PROVIDED
Luís Hindman was awarded the 2026 Iris Prize at this year’s celebration of LGBTQIA+ film. His film Magid/Zafar was given the prestigious award, as well as £40,000 to make a new queer-themed film in the UK.
The Iris Prize is the largest LGBTQIA+ short film prize in the world, supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation.
Magid/Zafar takes place inside a Pakistani‑British takeaway where tensions unfold as Magid’s past and future catch up with him.
Speaking about this winner, Sara Peacock, chair of the 2026 Iris Prize jury, said, “This film burst onto the screen and swept the jury along with its dynamic and energetic story. The jury praised the storytelling, which was carefully eked out through dialogue and never spoon-fed, as well as the craft that used pace and tempo to pull the audience into the characters’ emotions. A clear winner.”
Alongside this winning film, three other titles were given a special mention. Marcin Kluczykowski’s A Cappella was spotlighted as having “subtle storytelling” as it depicted the experiences of an older couple in Poland. Kamila Boichenko’s Black Shawl left a “lasting impression on a number of the jury” for its depiction of lesbian love in a refugee camp. And Leo Tabosa’s film Seahorse was described as a “heartwarming story we hadn’t seen before”.
You can find out more about this year’s Iris Prize here: irisprize.org
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
