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.
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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.”The two highly commended titles are:
- God's Daughter Dances, directed by Sungbin Byun .
![](http://irisprize.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Gods-daughter-dances_still-2-600x338.png)
- We Will Become Better - Sansara, directed by Andzej Gavriss.
![](http://irisprize.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/26-600x224.png)
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.”The two highly commended films are:
- Cwch Deilen, directed by Efa Blosse-Mason .
![](http://irisprize.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CD-still-2-600x375.png)
- Pop, directed and written by Margo Roe.
![](http://irisprize.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/POP_1.1.55-600x338.png)
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.