Double win for UK filmmakers Sam Arbor and Adam Ali
BABA Wins both prestigious £30.000 Iris Prize and Best British award
Baba, directed by Sam Arbor and Adam Ali, has been announced the winner of the Iris Prize 2021, Cardiff’s International LGBT+ Short Film Prize, sponsored by The Michael Bishop Foundation. The £30,000 prize enables Sam and Adam to make a new short film in Wales, becoming the thirteenth Iris production.
In addition, Baba has also won the Best British Award, supported by Film4 and Pinewood Studios. This is only the second time in the festival's 15-year history that a film has won both categories. The winner receives an exclusive screening of their film in the deluxe John Barry Theatre at Pinewood Studios complete with red carpet, and a welcome reception with drinks and canapes sponsored by
Pinewood Studios Group.
The winners of all Awards categories were announced at a special awards ceremony on Saturday night marking the successful end to the festival's return to being an in person event, which saw attendance from international directors David Färdmar and Peeter Rebane, actor Tom Prior and a surprise appearance from US filmmaker Cheryl Dunye, who’s been directing episodes of Bridgerton.
THE WINNERS
IRIS PRIZE
Rasheed Bailey, Chair of the Jury, says of Baba, "A skillfully constructed film that speaks to oppression, acceptance and the strength of community. The direction is impressive, coherent and offers moments of self-reflection whilst transmitting courageousness and pride in one's identity. The issues explored are systemic issues that affect countless others, but the story is portrayed in a hopeful way which encourages a call to action to continue the fight for equality". He adds, "Baba also appeals to a wide audience, due to its many ingredients - such as; beautiful visuals, humour, warmth, and moments of real tension and adventure."
BEST BRITISH
Tim Highsted, Chair of the jury says, "Baba is a visually striking piece of cinema that transported me into a very real reality for people with a brilliant twist."
FEATURE FILM AWARDS
Rebel Dykes, directed by Harri Shanahan and Siân A. Williams. wins Iris Prize Best Feature Award sponsored by Bad Wolf.
Udo Kier, playing a retired hairdresser in Todd Stephens' Swan Song, wins Iris Prize Best Performance in a Male Role in a feature film sponsored by Attitude Magazine.
Senan Kara, playing a mother under emotional siege in Leyla Yilmaz's Not Knowing, Wins Iris Prize Best Performance in a Female Role in a feature film sponsored by DIVA Magazine.
COMMUNITY AND YOUTH AWARDS
Iris Prize Youth Jury Award Sponsored by Cardiff University for Best Short goes to: S.A.M directed by Lloyd Eyre-Morgan and Neil Ely
Community Award sponsored by Mark Williams in memory of Rose Taylor goes to:
Lonely Cowgirl directed by Lydia Garnett
Micro Short Award sponsored by Mark Williams in memory of Rose Taylor goes to:
Amen directed by Erick Edwardson
