Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival Reveals Best British Winners For 2025

The organisers of the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival – celebrating global stories and Cardiff charm are thrilled to announce that the winner of the Iris Prize Best British Short Film Award is Chris Urch, for his film Blackout.  This is Chris Urch’s first outing as a director and was named winner during the Best British Day Gala on Friday, 17 October, at Vue Cinema, Stadium Plaza, Cardiff.  This is the first year that all 15 Best British shortlisted films have been shown on one day, culminating in a Gala Evening celebrating British short film making. 

The winner of the Iris Prize Best British award receives an exclusive  screening of their film at Pinewood Studios and a welcome reception with drinks and canapes sponsored by Pinewood Group. They will also be invited to be part of the 2026 Iris Prize Best British Jury. All films in the Best British 2025 shortlist will be available on Channel 4 streaming and broadcast over the next 12 months.  After the end of the Channel 4 window the Best British Short nominated films will be offered a non-exclusive second window on OUTTv‘s global platforms. 

Blackout, directed by Chris Urch, tells the story of a young man living in a high-rise apartment who is disturbed by domestic violence in the flat next door.  He soon comes to realise that violence isn’t always on the outside – sometimes it’s with us all along. Urch is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter having been part of the writing team behind Steve McQueen’s critically acclaimed series, Small Axe.   

Tim Highsted, Senior Editor, Acquired Feature Films at Channel 4, and Chair of the Best British Jury said: 

“It was an honour to be a chair once again with The Iris Prize as it allows LGBTQIA stories to be told and gives a platform to emerging talent. Getting to watch all these amazing shorts was a pleasure. However, we could only choose one winner. The jury awarded Blackout the Best British Short for its subtle and understated power in which it tells a story about relationships, control and violence, featuring fine performances and photography.” 

The Best British jury gave special mention to the following three films: 

Two Black Boys in Paradise, directed by Baz Sells  
A movingly tender animation, based on Dean Atta’s eponymous poem, sees Edan (19) and Dula (18) on a journey of self-acceptance and love – for each other and themselves.  

Demons, directed by Emmanuel Imani 
A London cop returns to Lagos, risking everything to avenge his lover’s death, battling corruption and confronting his own demons in a heart-wrenching quest for justice.  

Man Enough, directed by Beru Tessema 
Kaleb reunites with his sister after years apart following his transition, but to connect with each other they first must come to terms with what drove them apart.  
 
Berwyn Rowlands, Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival Director, said: 

“The 15 films shortlisted confirm that the quality of queer storytelling in the UK is in rude health. When we launched the Iris Prize we wanted to see excellence in storytelling, and we have seen that improve year on year.  

“The Iris Prize Best British awards are sponsored by Film4 and all the Best British shortlisted films will be released on Channel 4 streaming from tonight (17 October).  This will allow a new audience to experience these stories, and this increased visibility feeds back to the filmmaking process and we eventually get to see excellence in storytelling.”  

Here are the Best British Performance awards winners: 

Best Performance in a Female Role – Kat Ronney as Ricky in Hot Young Geeks Seek Blood-Sucking Freak, by Heath Virgoe 

Jury member Louisa Connolly-Burnham said:

“I was completely captivated by Kat’s performance as Ricky in Hot Young Geeks Seek Blood-Sucking Freak. Comedy is one of the hardest genres to master, relying so heavily on timing, energy, and nuance—and Kat has all of this in abundance. She brings an infectious vitality to the film, with comic timing that is pitch-perfect, but also carries the ability to shift gears and move us deeply. Ricky is both hilarious and profoundly lovable, and Kat makes you laugh out loud while also breaking your heart. Her fierce loyalty and love for her friend and flatmate Max, played beautifully by Angus Stobie, are especially moving. The chemistry between all three leads is tender, warm, and irresistible, making Ricky a protagonist you can’t help but root for.” 

Best Performance in a Male Role – Jay Newton as Alan in Sleazy Tiger, by James Ley 

Jury member Denis Grindel said: 

“Jay led this wild, dark comedy with total control and captivating charisma, never missing a beat in the quick pace of the narrative with his sharp, grounded comedic performance — all while maintaining Alan’s humanity. He was bold, funny, compelling, and in the final moments gave us vulnerability and honesty that was truly captivating. I was with him the entire way on this journey through Alan’s shame and ultimate self-acceptance and love.” 

Best Performance in a Role Beyond the Binary – Leah Harvey as Bills, in Solers United, by Sara Harrak 

Jury member Ashley Goh said: 

“My choice for the winner of Best Performance in a Role Beyond the Binary is Leah Harvey as Bills for Solers United. Leah was beautifully characterised from Bills’ first appearance onscreen, portraying their conflicted plight with nuance and clarity. Leah just has an ease that draws you in to Bills’ life without doing too much and was a joy to watch from start to finish.”