Best of Iris – Trans Stories 

Iris Prize 2021 HIGHLY COMMENDED 

God’s Daughter Dances | 12A
DIRECTOR: SUNGBIN BYUN
PRODUCER: SUJI BONG
WRITER: SUNGBIN BYUN
SOUTH KOREA, 24 MINUTES

 A transgender female dancer, Shin-mi, gets a call from the Military Manpower Administration, to attend for the Military Service Examination. Shin-mi, with everything in readiness, takes her steps to the Military Manpower Administration.  

Iris Prize Best British 2021 HIGHLY COMMENDED     

Pop | 15
DIRECTOR: MARGO ROE
PRODUCER: LUCY MEER
WRITER: MARGO ROE
ENGLAND (UK), 21 MINUTES

 Jack is a young boy exploring his own identity when he befriends a recently released ex-convict, Pop. The pair bond, but Pop’s past and his inability to control his emotions threaten to put Jack in danger. 

COOP Audience Award for best Iris Prize Short 

BIRTHDAY BOY | 15
DIRECTOR: LEO LEBEAU
PRODUCER: JAMES BELL, LEO LEBEAU
WRITER: JAMES BELL, LEO LEBEAU
UNITED KINGDOM, 20 MINUTES

Birthday Boy follows a transgender boy, Alex, as he experiences bullying at a private all girls school. He lives a double life in online games, where he feels he can express his true identity. Alex has excitedly planned a digital birthday party, however, on the day of his birthday, the bullying takes a violent turn for the worse. We experience these tragic events through his memories, as he reflects from a hospital bed. 

Despite his hardships, ultimately this is a film about acceptance, with an uplifting narrative that positively portrays a trans character.