Cineworld Llandudno Junction to host Iris Prize photographic exhibition

Photographs by Wales based photographer Jon Pountney is one of the main events of the Iris Prize Festivals’ inaugural visit to North Wales this February.  He has been documenting the Iris Prize since its inception in 2006, as well as the short films made by winners of the prize. This event offers a window on the world of film production as well as offering previously unseen behind-the-scenes coverage of the eight Iris Prize Productions to date. The exhibition and associated talk is hosted in Cineworld, Llandudno Junction, in partnership with Ffotogallery and British Council Wales. The exhibition includes up to 80 on-location photographs reproduced as part of a 30 min short film made by Adrian Naik and 12 traditional photographic prints. There is also a free 16 page full colour programme produced by Buzz Magazine. Berwyn Rowlands, the festival director, says, “It has been a wonderful experience working with friends at Ffotogallery, Adrian Naik, Dai Shell and the team at Cineworld. I think we’ve created something which celebrate Jon’s photography but is also an appropriate celebration for our first visit to North Wales.” “I’m over the moon to be able to share Iris with the people of North Wales. As a native of North Wales it feels a little like taking Iris home to visit the family!” Cardiff-based Jon Pountney has been a professional photographer for over 18 years. Having worked in the commercial and advertising sector with organisations such as BBC, Environment Agency Wales, Halifax, and Visit Wales he continues to pursue a professional career as an artist too.  His interest lies in memory, nostalgia, social history and community.  He has undertaken a number of projects including Art in the Warehouse with fellow artists Rebecca Wyn Kelly, and the social history project ‘Cardiff Before Cardiff’, which has been the largest photography exhibition to be held at Wales Millennium Centre. Jon Pountney says, “I'm really excited and thrilled to be rustling through the archives from the last ten years, to pick out the best of my stills from our Iris Prize winners films. Having been with Iris right from the first event, I have been an intimate witness to all the success that Iris has enjoyed, documenting each festival, and following the creative process behind each film. “In this tenth year I think it's right that Iris looks back over her achievements, and I'm flattered that my photographs are deemed to be of a high enough quality to tell that story. I'm proud and amazed that these photos will find their way to film festivals around the world. Here's to the next ten years!” The exhibition also includes a 30 min film which is a collection of 8 short films commissioned from film maker Adrian Naik. The film will screen at 5pm on Wednesday 15 Feb prior to a talk between Jon and David Drake, Ffotogallery’s Director. Adrian Naik, founder of Naik Media says of his involvement: “Working with Iris is always a pleasure, and now having the opportunity to contribute to creating something which will help bring Jon’s brilliant photography to life is a great privilege for Naik Media.  As all the elements of the exhibition come together, 'Iris and Me’ is going to be something to behold!” David Drake, Ffotogallery’s Director, commented: “it’s a privilege to be working with Iris on this exhibition, and marking ten years of this ground-breaking festival and the associated Iris Prize. We have partnered with Iris since 2013 and share their vision of placing Wales at the centre of the international arena in terms of supporting and recognising emerging talent” The Iris Prize Productions, 8 titles in total including Sundance award winner BURGER, are now available to view thanks to UK distributor Peccadillo Pictures. Visit the website here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/irisproductions Iris and Me is supported by British Council Wales, Ffotogallery with additional support Peccadillo Pictures. The exhibition runs 15^th – 16^th February in Cineworld, Llandudno Junction, before touring to Norway, Germany, Israel, USA and Australia. The main festival sponsors are: The Michael Bishop Foundation, Welsh Government, BFI, Ffilm Cymru Wales, Pinewood Studios Group, Cardiff University, Gorilla Group, Cineworld, Pride Cymru, British Council Wales, Orchard and Bafta Cymru. Iris on the move receives funding and support from: Film Hub Wales and Queer Film Network.