Iris Prize Reveals 35 LGBTQ+ Films From 21 Countries

The 2025 film landscape offers a rich variety of cinematic experiences, including a strong focus on LGBTQ+ stories and queer representation. The 19th Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival will showcase 35 shortlisted short films from 21 countries, including first-time submissions from Turkey and Pakistan, reflecting diverse narratives on love, family, and identity (Article 1). Queer cinema continues to thrive with anticipated releases such as Ethan Coen's detective film "Honey Don’t!", Luca Guadagnino's drama "After the Hunt", and the Danish drama "Sauna," all exploring complex queer themes (Article 4). Major film releases in 2025 span blockbuster franchises like "Marvel's Thunderbolts," "Jurassic World Rebirth," and "Superman" by James Gunn, alongside auteur films from Paul Thomas Anderson, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Danny Boyle, offering a mix of genres from horror to family-friendly animation (Articles 2 and 5). Critically acclaimed films like Celine Song's "Materialists" and James Gunn's "Superman" reboot highlight a blend of sharp storytelling and fresh takes on classic genres, while films like "Bring Her Back" explore darker, psychological themes (Article 5). This broad spectrum of films demonstrates a dynamic year ahead for audiences seeking both mainstream entertainment and meaningful, diverse narratives.