The Iris Prize is an international gay and lesbian short film prize which is open to all budding short film makers who want to make a short film on topics pertaining to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex audiences. However there is one limitation which states that the short film must be made within 2 years prior to the deadline set by the Iris Prize authorities.

The panel of judges for this film festival includes highly experienced international filmmakers and artists. The winner is eligible to a cash prize of $25000 and a deal to make their next short film in the United Kingdom.

The Prize is awarded at a three-day event organized in Cardiff in UK. This event includes various programmes of screening and question and answer sessions for the participants about their film.
The Iris Prize has garnered the endorsement of lesbian and gay film festivals from all over the world, because it creates a single international platform where all the budding lesbian and gay film makers can interact and have exposure while at the same time it increases awareness about lesbian and gay cinema thereby helping a new age of filmmakers achieve international acclaim.