Australia seems to be where it’s at for gay and lesbian short films, as for the third year in a row (after The Wilding and Gorilla), a filmmaker from Down Under has picked up the prestigious Iris Prize, handed out in Cardiff, Wales, to the best LGBT short screening at the fest. This year the winner is All God’s Creatures, directed by Brendon McDonall, which picks up the £25,000 main prize, supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation, that allows the filmmaker to create a new short in the UK.
All God’s Creatures, about the relationship between two young brothers following the death of their father, beat out Aban + Korshid and Bombshell in the very final stage of competition. It was handed the award by Lord Glendonbrook at the sold out Iris Awards 2014, presented by Amy Lamé at Cardiff’s Park Inn Hotel.
Sara Sugarman, Chair of the Iris Prize Jury commented, “Iris 2014 theme was ‘bigger and better’, and this was nowhere more evident than on the screen. The standard of films this year was exceptionally high, covering a rich diversity of genres and themes, and this made for some very robust jury discussions. We were really pleased to see stories tackling some of the most pressing issues affecting the LGBT community globally, as well as more intimate, personal dramas.”
All God’s Creatures wasn’t the only winner, as the new Best British Short prize was presented to Middle Man, directed by Charlie Francis, who was present at the ceremony. The gong is sponsored by Pinewood Studios who have committed services valued at £14,000 for the winner’s next short film. Jury Chair Judith Nobel said: “Middle Man is a perfect short film. It is beautifully structured, witty and touching. In 5 minutes we have watched great directing, wonderful characterisation, excellent editing and a great story. A story about love with universal appeal.” There was also a Commendation for WE ARE FINE directed by Simon Savory.
The Best Feature Award was presented to Boy Meets Girl, while the performance awards, sponsored by Gay Star News, were presented to Michael Welch for his role as Robby in Boy Meets Girl and Kate Trotter who played Alice in Tru Love. Presenting the Award Tris Reid-Smith and Lynne Reynolds said, “This has been a breakthrough year for features at Iris and our deliberations were tough but the performances we chose represent the best of LGBT cinema – challenging, heart-warming and true”.
Finally, the Iris Prize Youth Award was presented to Bombshell, directed by Erin Sanger from the USA. The Youth Jury said, ”This film is really useful as a teaching aid because issues of identity and prejudice are drawn out authentically for a teenage audience. It is a perfectly scripted and played mood piece that discusses misogyny and encourages empathy with those who are perceived not to be normal.”
There was also a special mention for Butterfly as a positive film that helps us understand the realities of living with aspergers and transgender issues.
The next festival is already in the works, with next year’s Iris Prize Festival taking place from Wednesday 7th-Sunday 11th October 2015.
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