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# FILM REVIEW: Iris Prize Shorts Part 3
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/film-review-iris-prize-shorts-part-3/
- Published: 2022-12-07T16:16:03.000Z
- Updated: 2022-12-07T15:11:35.000Z
- Description: Brian Butler finds a Queer jewel in the crown in this year’s short films
- Author: Brian Butler
- Tags: Arts, Reviews, All 4, Darius Shu, Iris Prize, Jack Holden, Ruth Madoc

In my 3rd review of the [2022 LGBTQ+ Iris Prize](https://irisprize.org/?ref=scenemag.co.uk) British short films there’s an absolute gem : the jewel in the crown of this year’s collection. More of that later.

This collection of four films is entitled [Finding Joy](https://www.channel4.com/programmes/iris-prize-2022-finding-joy?ref=scenemag.co.uk#:~:text=%282022%29%20A%20compilation%20of%20five,to%20a%20spectacular%20Indian%20wedding.) and there’s definitely joy to be had.

[![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/jelly_still_002600.jpg)](https://irisprize.org/film/jelly/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)

Jelly centres on Kerry, a supermarket check-out girl who smiles coyly at her regular female customer- an ex-classmate at their Welsh valleys school. She also wants to create a subversive underground Wales post-Brexit. Together they find a cave high up on the hills and furnish it – it’s their little piece of Wales. A great fun film that has potential.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/screenshot-2022-06-29-at-17-42-60017.jpg)

Skinny Fat features Hi De Hi legend Ruth Madoc as a sympathetic mother helping her weight-conscious Gay son pick new clothes- it’s short, sharp and hilarious.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/screenshot-2021-09-17-at-14-18-36007.png)

The Rev gives us a presumably closeted vicar, pursuing his tedious routines of dismal bingo sessions, sparse congregations, and ready-made meals from fridge to microwave. A sudden phone call and a request for him to officiate at a funeral leads to an outrageous disco, camp, cowboy and girls fantasy committal. Jack Holden excels as the buttoned-up priest.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/queerparivaar_06001.jpg)

Now to the absolute gem – [Queer Parivaar](https://irisprize.org/film/queer-parivaar/?ref=scenemag.co.uk) – written, directed and starring the marvellous Shiva Raichandani, starts with a pre-wedding party for the non-binary Madhav ( Shiva) and their husband-to-be Sufi (Raimo Itfum). An unexpected visit by an elderly woman (Taru Devani) turns Madhav’s life upside down. What develops is a touching story of family ties, old prejudices, Lesbian and Trans identities, survival, deep love and happiness. And there’s a great cameo by Asifa Lahore as Madhav’s grandparent with a secret. It’s a wonderful story and I could have watched another half-hour of it at least.

Its look and feel owe a great deal to editor/director of photography Darius Shu and he deserves much credit for it. There’s no doubt why it was a double winner at this year”s Iris awards.

[All 15 short film finalists](https://irisprize.org/film/finding-joy/?ref=scenemag.co.uk) can be found on All 4 thanks to a collaboration with Channel 4.

[Watch them here:](https://www.channel4.com/programmes/iris-prize-2022-finding-joy?ref=scenemag.co.uk#:~:text=%282022%29%20A%20compilation%20of%20five,to%20a%20spectacular%20Indian%20wedding.)

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/fhnfs4kwyaal600gtu.png)