We are proud to partner with IRIS Prize and we continue to showcase the best of the Iris Prize, from the 2019 festival winners plus a special selection of the best of the best.
This year’s selection
Black Hat, Sarah Smith | 15 Mins
WINNER Iris Prize 2019
At first blush, Shmuel is a pious Hasidic man leading a simple life. But when his family leave town for a few days, Shmuel steps out of his routine and into a world lit by the mirror ball and coloured lights. When he misplaces his black hat along the way, his two lives connect in ways he never could have predicted.
My Brother is a Mermaid, Alfie Dale | 20 Mins
WINNER Best British Short 2019, Audience Award 2019, Youth Award
In a bleak coastal town, transgender teen Kai battles with her family, her community and herself. But her adoring younger brother Kuda sees things differently, and it is his unconditional love and magical imagination that sees things start to change.
Greta, Sparkman Clark | 27 Mins
WINNER DIVA Box Office Award 2019
Armed with self-loathing, hopelessness and existential dread, Greta tries to find one thing about adulthood that doesn’t suck. Despite the support of her family, the vague impression of a job, and a place of her own, Greta still struggles to get out of bed. Every day. Good thing she lives in New York City, where everything
Outdooring, Maxwell Addae | 18 Mins
Kobby arrives late to his baby nephew’s naming ceremony only to be confronted by his angry sister and parents. How could he have missed such an important event? But Kobby has a secret. Chance conversations cause him to look at the occasion through different eyes. One opportunity gives way to another, and nothing will ever be the same again.
U for Usha (U Ushacha), Rohan Kanawade | 22 Mins
Usha is a single mother and farm labourer in rural India. Unable to read or write, she finds herself drawn to her children’s English teacher in ways she never knew possible, and this attraction fires her passion and her determination to learn. U for Usha is a subtle portrayal of sexual awakening, and how naïve attraction can empower a woman to take control of her life.
Zebra, Julia Ocker | 3 Mins
One day the zebra ran against a tree… A wonderful animation that shows us difference is to be celebrated.
