Luís Hindman wins prestigious Iris Prize for Magid / Zafar

Filmmaker Luís Hindman has won the prestigious Iris Prize, supported by the Michael Bishop Foundation, for his short film Magid / Zafar. The announcement was made on 18 October at BBC Cymru Wales studios in Cardiff, during the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival.

The award, worth £40,000, makes Hindman only the third UK filmmaker to win the internationally recognised prize.

Of South Asian and Northern Irish descent, Hindman (he/him) is a BAFTA-nominated and BIFA-winning writer and director whose filmmaking career first attracted attention in 2015. That year, he received the One to Watch award from Into Film, sponsored by the BFI and EON Productions. The judging panel included acclaimed filmmakers Alan Parker, David Yates and Peter Kosminsky.

In the years that followed, Hindman established himself as a director of music videos, most notably through Permanent Damage, a UK Music Video Awards-nominated project for soul-pop artist Joesef.

He subsequently returned to narrative filmmaking with Magid / Zafar (2025), which was supported by the BFI and Film4 through the inaugural Future Takes scheme. The film premiered in competition at the 2025 BFI London Film Festival, earning a BAFTA nomination before going on to win the BIFA for Best British Short.

Hindman is now developing his debut feature film with the support of the BFI and Film4.

A story of identity, tradition and belonging

Set against a backdrop of rising tensions inside a Pakistani-British takeaway, Magid / Zafar explores the complexities of cultural identity, family expectations and the struggle between tradition and modernity.

Through its use of music, costume and emotionally charged storytelling, the film examines the tensions between Pakistani identity and Western expectations. At its centre is Magid, who must confront the future that has been laid out before him and decide whether he can break away from the life he has always known or remain caught between two competing worlds.

Sara Peacock, chair of the 2026 Iris Prize jury, praised the film’s storytelling and cinematic craft.

“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.”

Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival director Berwyn Rowlands also welcomed the result, highlighting its significance for British filmmaking.

“This is only the third time a British filmmaker has won the Iris Prize, so our 20th anniversary feels like the perfect year to celebrate another home-grown winner. In truth, though, Luís Hindman’s powerful short, Magid / Zafar, would have been a worthy winner in any year.”

Three films receive special jury mentions

Alongside the main award, the jury selected three films for special mention, recognising their distinctive storytelling, performances and exploration of LGBTQ+ experiences.

A Cappella – Marcin Kluczykowski (Poland, 2024)

A Cappella follows Karol and Henryk, an elderly couple who have shared a long life together but continue to present themselves as single men whenever they leave their apartment. Their carefully maintained private world is disrupted when an unexpected invitation arrives.

The jury praised the film for its representation of an older couple and its honest portrayal of the everyday realities of a long-term relationship.

“The jury was delighted to see an established older couple being represented, and felt this film portrayed the realness of a relationship in its beauty and mundaneness. Beautiful cinematography, subtle storytelling, excellent performances and moments of truth that connected with many of us.”

Black Shawl – Kamila Boichenko (Poland, 2025)

Set in a refugee camp, Black Shawl tells the story of Lesya, who reconnects with her old friend Maria. Both women are haunted by the loss of someone they loved, and as their relationship deepens, they find comfort and understanding in their shared grief.

The jury highlighted the film’s ability to bring together themes of war, desire and sexuality in a story with universal emotional resonance.

“This was a film that created a lasting impression on a number of the jury. It was a story that skilfully wove threads of war, desire and sexuality to create a story that felt universal despite its unique setting.”

Seahorse – Leo Tabosa (Brazil, 2024)

Seahorse centres on Francisca, a widow approaching her 75th birthday who finds herself on the verge of an emotional explosion on the eve of the Feast of St John.

The jury commended the film’s sensitive approach to its subject matter, noting how it moved beyond trauma to explore love and acceptance.

“This was a beautifully crafted story that negotiated its subject matter with a light touch, moving away from trauma towards love and acceptance. Many felt this was a heartwarming story we hadn’t seen before, made with the right beat and pace, and an absence of melodrama or cliché.”

Celebrating 20 years of LGBTQ+ cinema

Hindman’s win provides a significant milestone for the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival as it marks two decades of championing LGBTQ+ filmmaking and bringing international stories to Cardiff.

With Magid / Zafar, the festival has recognised a filmmaker whose work explores the complexities of identity, belonging and cultural expectations, while continuing the Iris Prize’s tradition of celebrating distinctive voices and compelling LGBTQ+ storytelling.