[Pictured above: Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who plays the gay character in 'Brothers & Sister' made the cover of the world's most read gay magazine, The Advocate.]
Not only do the Welsh continue to lead the acting and film world, providing an endless parade of talent, but Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, has become a must-visit hot spot on the annual calendar for Gay & Lesbian Film production.
Here's the most recent news, directly quoted from the Iris Prize website:
"Brothers and Sisters star Matthew Rhys today (19 March 2009) confirmed that Melbourne Queer Film Festival and REELING - The Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival have become partner festivals for the Iris Prize.
Brothers & Sisters - Jason Lewis and Matthew Rhys first kiss
"They join the global network of gay and lesbian film festivals who nominate a short film to compete for the Iris Prize, the world’s largest gay and lesbian short film prize.
"I’m delighted that Iris has two new partner festivals located in Chicago and Melbourne. Having both these respected festivals join the family brings the total number of partner festivals to 16.
"The global network of film festivals who feed into Iris is hugely important in allowing Iris to identify and support the very best film making talent from all over the world," said Festival Patron, Matthew Rhys (pictured right).
"As the second oldest LGBT film festival in the world, Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival is delighted to participate in identifying the next recipient of the coveted Iris Prize.
B&S 2.01: Good Morning Kiss
"The Iris Prize not only recognizes excellence in LGBT filmmaking, it also makes possible the creation of new work, each year supporting a deserving filmmaker as they embark on their next short film adventure.
"We are thrilled to be part of this process," said Joe Sprague, Operations Director, Reeling.
To learn more about this fantastic festival, created by the Welsh wunderkind Berwyn Rowlands [having already placed Wales on the world stage, having established Ffresh, The Student Moving Image Festival of Wales (2002) and the Welsh International Film Festival (1989)]:
Click here to go directly to the Iris Prize website.
Iris Prize Festival 08 Montage
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© 2009 Dr. Mark Leslie Woods Smart & Sexy? Your Queer Advantage advances while your Queer Day Rises!
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