As part of The National Lottery’s 30th Birthday celebrations, BERWYN ROWLANDS, whose life’s work has been directing the spotlight onto diverse voices through the Iris Prize LGBT+ Film Festival, saw his own story illuminated as part of an extraordinary digital installation (AI data painting) at the V&A’s Exhibition Road Courtyard in London (on Friday November 1st).
Re-imagining the iconic façade of the V&A’s Exhibition Road Courtyard building, the ‘Symphony of the Game Changers’ AI cognitive painting was a UK-first artwork for Istanbul-based Ouchhh Studio. Using ground-breaking cognitive technology, the installation captured the brainwaves of seven ‘Game Changers’ – pioneers who have had transformative impact across grassroots and iconic Arts & Film projects – creating a beautiful ever-changing projection inspired by their journeys, work, inspirations, creative processes and impact.
Each chapter of the artwork brought to life the unique passion and vision of a Game Changer, from Berwyn’s pioneering work in LGBTQ+ film to the diverse achievements of his fellow honourees. Their stories were woven together in a mesmerising digital tapestry that celebrates the extraordinary impact made possible by National Lottery players, who raise £30 million every week for good causes.
From his debut production at age nine in his parents’ front room in Anglesey to establishing a festival that has become a leading voice in championing LGBTQ+ cinema, Berwyn’s journey reads like a classic tale of passion and perseverance, brought to life through National Lottery funding. His early love of cinema would later inspire him to organise his first public film festival in Aberystwyth in 1989, known as the Welsh International Film Festival, which notably included a weekend celebration of LGBTQ+ film.
In 2006, Berwyn established what would become his crowning achievement: the Iris Prize – the world’s largest LGBTQ+ short film prize, offering an unprecedented £40,000 award. Under his leadership, the Cardiff-based festival has achieved international acclaim, featuring in Movie Maker magazine’s top 50 film festivals globally for four consecutive years. The festival’s significance was further recognised when Rowlands was invited to a reception for the British Film Industry hosted by The Queen in 2013.
The festival’s impact on LGBTQ+ cinema has been substantial, with 12 short films produced through the Iris Prize to date, including notable successes such as “Burger” and “Followers,” both of which screened at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. In 2016, the festival marked its 10th anniversary with BAFTA recognition as an “A” list festival, and is now approaching its milestone 20th anniversary in 2026.
Beyond its annual celebration of film, Iris runs vital education and community outreach projects throughout Wales and the UK, creating opportunities for emerging talent and promoting understanding through the power of film.
Throughout his career, Berwyn has also built an impressive portfolio producing films for cinema and television, with works broadcast on BBC, ITV and S4C. His credits include “Llety Piod,” a 90-minute TV movie starring the acclaimed Bill Nighy.
The recognition comes at a poignant time for Berwyn, who recently shared his remarkable recovery journey. After being hospitalised for four months with severe pancreatitis, losing nearly a third of his body weight and having to learn to walk again, he credits both the NHS for saving his life and the film festival for aiding his recovery.
Berwyn told us….
“Every year the Iris Prize gives an opportunity to share the very best of LGBTQ+ storytelling from across the UK. The festival continues to be a celebration of global stories and Cardiff charm, highlighting stories from the LGBTQ+ community. Funding from The National Lottery has been so important to the Iris Prize – it is more than just a trophy that gathers dust or a certificate that yellows on the wall. Iris is what filmmakers need – funding, support, guidance and a new audience for their work.”
Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Wales said…….
“The National Lottery’s 30th Birthday is a significant milestone, and an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved over the past three decades. The National Lottery funding, alongside government funding, has touched the UK Arts and Film scene in so many ways – from restoring our theatres, to opening our eyes through new galleries, and bringing us together with community choirs, and much, much more.
We’re very proud to be recognising Berwyn Rowlands as a Game Changer. He’s had a huge impact on film in Wales and is never afraid to challenge stereotypes around diversity and culture in the film industry. This honour is thoroughly deserved.”
Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive, added…..
“We believe in the transformative power of screen culture for social good, which can bring people and communities closer together, and National Lottery funding has been instrumental in making that happen over the last three decades. It has had an incredible impact on our homegrown film industry, and is helping to build a representative, equitable and inclusive sector UK-wide which acts as an inspiration for future generations. From creating accessible pathways for those who dream of working in film, through to bringing unique cultural experiences to audiences.
National Lottery funding has also been crucial in bringing brilliant UK films to the big screen, with many winning international acclaim and reaching audiences across the globe. It is wonderful to celebrate the Game Changers announced today – the term is thoroughly deserved. Huge thanks too, to National Lottery players; without whom, none of this would be possible.”
To mark the 30th anniversary of the first draw in 1994, The National Lottery is celebrating 30 inspirational people – Game Changers – who have achieved amazing things across the UK in the last 30 years, with the help of National Lottery funding.
The seven Arts & Film Game Changers announced last week were selected as examples of dedicated, inspiring, high achieving individuals who have had a transformative impact on their industry, and a significant impact on their wider communities and society.
Find out more here: HERE.
