Best of Iris 2021
25th February - 13th March
Baba (12A)
Directed By Sam Arbor And Adam Ali
Uk, 2021, 18 Minutes
Living in the tunnels beneath Tripoli a queer Libyan teenager, Britannia, dreams of escape to a better life, but an unexpected discovery forces him to question whether to stay or flee from his homeland and his friends.
Winner: Iris Prize And Iris Prize Best British 2021
25th February - 13th March
We Will Become Better – Sansara (PG)
Director: Andzej Gavriss
Russia, 2021, 6 Minutes
Russian indie band Sansara made this music video as a tribute to Russia’s LGBT+ community, 12 months after the country passed legislation defining marriage solely as the union of man and woman. It’s a wonderful fusion of music and movement and a stirring tale of thwarted love, and though we can take no credit for this, it’s garnered over 1million views on YouTube since being submitted for the Iris Prize!
Iris Prize 2021 Highly Commended
25th February - 13th March
Cwch Deilen (U)
Director: Efa Blosse-Mason
Wales, 2021, 8 Minutes
An animated love story about a leaf which becomes a boat, and fears come out of the murky waters as sea monsters and storms. Will the Leaf Boat survive the tumultuous waves?
Iris Prize Best British 2021 Highly Commended
25th February - 13th March
God's Daughter Dances (12A)
Director: Sungbin Byun
South Korea, 2021, 24 Minutes
A transgender female dancer, Shin-mi, gets a call from the Military Manpower Administration, to attend for the Military Service Examination. Shin-mi, with everything in readiness, takes her steps to the Military Manpower Administration.
Iris Jury: “An intense and moving piece that highlights an important issue with regards to Gender equality. The main character portrays unrivalled bravery in the face of adversity, coupled with a compelling storyline and an alluring colour pallet.”
Iris Trans Stories 2021
Iris Prize 2021 Highly Commended
25th February - 13th March
Pop (15)
Director: Margo Roe
England (Uk), 2021, 21 Minutes
Jack is a young boy exploring his own identity when he befriends a recently released ex-convict, Pop. The pair bond, but Pop's past and his inability to control his emotions threaten to put Jack in danger.
Iris Jury: “Beautifully made with complex performances in a world familiar from some of the finest British independent cinema of the last few decades, but taking it to unique places. The ending will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.”
Iris Prize Best British 2021 Highly Commended
25th February - 13th March
BIRTHDAY BOY (15)
Director: Leo Lebeau
United Kingdom, 2021, 20 Minutes
Birthday Boy follows a transgender boy, Alex, as he experiences bullying at a private all girls school. He lives a double life in online games, where he feels he can express his true identity. Alex has excitedly planned a digital birthday party, however, on the day of his birthday, the bullying takes a violent turn for the worse. We experience these tragic events through his memories, as he reflects from a hospital bed.
Despite his hardships, ultimately this is a film about acceptance, with an uplifting narrative that positively portrays a trans character.
COOP Audience Award for best Iris Prize Short
