“At a time when LGBTQIA people are coming under increased threats, we really appreciate this opportunity to tell stories of queer joy and strength from within our community”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY IRIS PRIZE
The Iris Prize Film Festival announced today (13 November) that Ira Putilova was the second recipient of the Iris Prize Documentary Film Finance Fund. Sponsored by FROOT, the UK LGBTQIA streaming service, and Aberystwyth University, this prize will support Ira in making a new documentary about LGBTQIA lives.
Ira received the Fund in order to create a documentary centred around four members of a queer Muay Thai club in London. The club focuses on confronting rising hate crime by teaching martial arts to queer, trans and non-binary people and running self-defence classes for their community.
Ira Putilova said: “At a time when LGBTQIA people are coming under increased threats, we really appreciate this opportunity to tell stories of queer joy and strength from within our community.”
Philip Webb, COO of FROOT and OUTtv, also commented on the win: “The documentary (title TBC) is set to be a poignant and celebratory exploration within the unique setting of a queer martial arts club in London and provides audiences with the opportunity to delve into a community they may not be familiar with.”
“The jury this year had an extremely hard decision to make, but the passion of Ira and Emma’s application shone through, and we can’t wait to see what is created and continue to provide a platform for incredible up-and-coming filmmakers through the Iris Prize,” Philip concluded.
Iris Prize will return next year on Tuesday 8 October – Sunday 13 October 2024. Find out more about this year’s winners here: https://irisprize.org/
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