Since its inception five years ago, the internationally renowned Iris Prize has continued to grow in both prominence and ambition. The pioneering Cardiff-based film festival returns from Wed 5-Sat 8 Oct with another programme of thought provoking shorts and engaging feature-length films. Not only a celebration of gay and lesbian film-making, but also great storytelling and cinematography, the Iris Prize seeks to celebrate a broad range of original work from around the world.
Now recognised as one of the most influential LGBT film festivals in the world, The Iris Prize has over the years drawn entries and audiences from throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and America. Boosted by a ÂŁ15,000 cash injection from the recently rescinded UK Film Council, the Iris Prize has been able to return in 2011 with even greater expectations than last year.
At the centre of the festival lies the short film competition which sees film-makers competing for the coveted Iris Prize. Valued at ÂŁ25,000, the prize sees the winning film-maker given the opportunity to make a further short film with the backing of Iris. Although the prize is selected by an esteemed panel of judges from a 30-strong shortlist, all the short films will be on show throughout the Iris Prize weekend at ticketed screenings. Among the shortlisted films, audiences will be able to watch stories that include a French terrorist seducing a soldier sent to track him, a bored housewife in small town Germany, an African American teenager grappling with his identity, and two men meeting for sex on the outskirts of Barcelona who end up discussing their mortgage rates instead.
Last year’s winner of the Iris Prize, Magnus Mork, will be in conversation with Daily Mail journalist Andrew Pierce on Sat 8 Oct. Discussing life since winning the award, the success of his winning film The Samaritan, and future plans for making his next short courtesy of Iris in 2012, this is sure to be one of the most fascinating Q&As of the festival.
With a vitally important role in preserving the art of short film-making and promoting LGBT subject matter, Berwyn Rowlands, the Iris Prize director and founder is keen for the festival to continue to grow and appeal to a broad – and not strictly gay – audience: “In a strange way I think Iris has avoided becoming a ghetto for gay cinema by being honest about what we do. We’ve been very clear from day one that we wanted Iris to be a celebration of new gay cinema and emerging film-makers, but also – and this is key – a celebration of excellence. What makes Iris different I think to other gay festivals is that we look at excellence in storytelling as a fundamental starting point, accomplished directing, powerful performances and all the other crafts like lighting and sound that go into making a great film. The gay element comes as an equal first. This is why I think our audience is a mixed audience who like cinema and some 30% of them identify as being straight.”
Although the short film competition sits at the heart of the Iris Prize, a number of feature-length films, talks and Q&As are also on offer for both film-makers and the general public over the four days. With a detailed programme to be enjoyed, awards are also available over the festival for the Best Feature Film (voted for by the Friends Of Iris), Best UK Short, and Best Actress and Best Actor (both of which are sponsored by the London Women’s Clinic).
Six short film sessions showing the 30 shortlisted shorts are joined by eight feature-length films over the four-day programme. Two of the feature films – The Adored and Vampires: Brighter In Darkness – will in fact be world premieres, while the rest are all UK premieres. Noteworthy films on the programme include the already award-winning Spork, which is a film about standing out and fitting in as a frizzy haired outcast attempting to survive Junior High; and also August, which is the first feature-length film directed by 2009 Iris Prize winner Eldar Rapaport.
One of the key screenings to look out for at this year’s festival is undoubtedly Boys Village, which is based and filmed in South Wales and has already garnered itself a screening on BBC Wales. Directed by Till Kleinert – the 2008 winner of the Iris Prize – the film was produced by the Festivals Company and made possible through Iris. Boys Village is based around the old St Athan Boys Village summer camp which was home to sons of Welsh coalminers over the summer months in the early 20th century. 15 years since its closure, little remains of its former glory as vandalism by local youths has reduced the village almost to rubble. With shattered glass and debris lining the rooms and hallways, it can be a parent’s worst nightmare or heaven on earth for a certain kind of child. It more or less is for Kevin, the 11-year-old boy at the centre of this gripping story.
The Iris prize has grown considerably since its birth and now sees 17 associate countries feeding films into its programme. From Brazil to Germany, this year’s programme of films is as rich and diverse as you would find anywhere else in the world. Taking place across four days at Chapter Arts Centre and Cineworld, Cardiff, tickets can be bought for any of the films, parties, talks and events throughout the festival. This year also sees the introduction of a Members Of Iris card (costing only £5) which entitles its holder to discounts and offers throughout the festival and all year.
Looking ahead, Berwyn Rowlands is positive about the future growth of Iris: “Iris will extend by one day next year and become a five-day festival. We’re looking at developing the visitor experience by including comedy and music into the festival programme. I think we still need to fine-tune what we already have achieved and protecting the prize is a key objective – without the £25,000 prize we become just another festival – Iris is too important for us to let that happen!”
Iris Prize, Chapter Arts Centre and Cineworld, Cardiff, Wed 5-Sat 8 Oct. Tickets: ÂŁ2.50-ÂŁ7.30 with discounts avaliable for those with the Members Of Iris card. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.irisprize.org
COMPETITION
The internationally renowned, Cardiff-based Iris Prize is now five years old. To celebrate its growing popularity and continued success, we’ve been lucky enough to get our hands on some exclusive prizes ahead of this year’s event. For your chance to win a special VIP pass (worth £50), or one of five Member Of Iris Cards, simply answer the following question. Q: Who won last year’s Iris Prize?
Please email your answers, name, address and contact number to [email protected] by Sat 1 Oct.