Chris Urch’s Blackout starring Mawaan Rizwan is crowned Best British Short at Iris Prize
"To win at a festival which has such a rich and important history blows my mind," said Urch on the LGBTQ+ film festival's 19th anniversary
By Aaron Sugg
Chris Urch has won the Iris Prize Best British Short Film Award at the LGBTQ+ film festival for his directorial debut Blackout, starring former Attitude cover star Mawaan Rizwan.
Blackout tells the story of Reuben, played by Rizwan, who lives in a high-rise apartment disturbed by domestic violence in the flat next door, only to realise that violence can also exist within ourselves.
The announcement was made during the Best British Day Gala at Vue Cinema, Stadium Plaza, Cardiff, on Friday 17 October, marking the event’s 19th anniversary.
“To win at a festival which has such a rich and important history blows my mind” – Chris Urch on winning the Iris Prize Best British Short Film Award
Urch, an award-winning playwright and screenwriter known for his work on Steve McQueen’s Small Axe series, marks his first outing as a director with Blackout.
The winner received £40,000, funded by The Michael Bishop Foundation, to create a new LGBTQ+-themed film in the UK.
In an Instagram post announcing the milestone, the filmmaker wrote: “I feel so honoured and encouraged to have won Best Short Film… I’m fully aware there is no ‘best’ in the world of film. It’s totally subjective.”
“This win is shared with the entire cast and crew of Blackout” – Urch on the Blackout crew and cast featuring Mawaan Rizwan
He continued: “However, to be included among such amazing filmmakers is humbling, and to win at a festival which has such a rich and important history blows my mind.”
Grateful, he concluded: “This win is shared with the entire cast and crew of Blackout, who gave their everything on such a small budget and timescale.”
Tim Highsted, Senior Editor of Acquired Feature Films at Channel 4 and Chair of the Best British Jury, said: “It was an honour to be chair once again with The Iris Prize as it allows LGBTQIA stories to be told and gives a platform to emerging talent.”
He added: “The jury awarded Blackout the Best British Short for its subtle and understated power in which it tells a story about relationships, control, and violence, featuring fine performances and photography.”
The jury gave special mention to three other British short films: Two Black Boys in Paradise, Demons and Man Enough, all featuring either queer or trans representation.
“The 15 films shortlisted confirm that the quality of queer storytelling” – Festival Director Berwyn Rowlands on the LGBTQ+ film festival l
Festival Director Berwyn Rowlands praised the high quality of this year’s shortlisted films:
“The 15 films shortlisted confirm that the quality of queer storytelling in the UK is in rude health,” he said.
“When we launched the Iris Prize we wanted to see excellence in storytelling, and we have seen that improve year on year.”
Launched in 2007, the LGBTQ+ film festival began as a three-day event and has since grown into a week-long celebration.
All 15 shortlisted films are now available across Channel 4 streaming services.