This powerful story sheds light on domestic violence and relationships
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY BLACKOUT
Chris Urch’s film Blackout has been awarded the Iris Prize Best British Short Film Award at this year’s celebration of LGBTQIA+ film.
Telling the story of a young man who is disturbed by domestic abuse in the flat next door, Blackout asks several questions about the way violence takes shape in our lives. Tim Highsted, Chair of the category’s jury, said the film was chosen as the winner for its “subtle and understated power in which it tells a story about relationships, control and violence, featuring fine performances and photography.”
Special mention was given to Baz Sells’ Two Black Boys In Paradise, Emmanuel Imani’s Demons and Beru Tessema’s Man Enough by the Best British jury. All films in the Best British 2025 shortlist will be available on Channel 4 streaming and broadcast over the next 12 months.
Iris Prize also celebrated the broad range of LGBTQIA+ talent seen in this year’s festival. Kat Ronney took home the Best Performance in a Female Role for her role as Ricky in Hot Young Geeks Seek Blood-Sucking Freak.
Jury member Louisa Connolly-Burnham said: “She brings an infectious vitality to the film, with comic timing that is pitch-perfect, but also carries the ability to shift gears and move us deeply. Ricky is both hilarious and profoundly lovable, and Kat makes you laugh out loud while also breaking your heart.”
Football fans will be pleased to hear that Leah Harvey also took home the Best Performance in a Role Beyond the Binary for their role as Bills in Solers United.
Jury member Ashley Goh said: “My choice for the winner of Best Performance in a Role Beyond the Binary is Leah Harvey as Bills for Solers United. Leah was beautifully characterised from Bills’ first appearance onscreen, portraying their conflicted plight with nuance and clarity. Leah just has an ease that draws you in to Bills’ life without doing too much and was a joy to watch from start to finish.”
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