Short Film AFIN 175
IRIS
Directed by 
Aida Gevorgyan
AFIN 2023 Winner · 2 awards
- 2023
- 18m
-
USA - English
- PG
Stills
1 frame
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Credits
Produced by
Starring
Synopsis
When a dancer wins an audition to an elite conservatory, she must balance caring for her dying mother and her own growing pill addiction in order to change her life.
Director's Statement
In just one semester, nine USC students lost their lives. Four of those were drug-related incidents, however, all nine directly correlate to the immense pressure we face. Even more so as artists, we often fixate on the goal, losing sight of the importance of the process. Growing up as a ballerina myself, I faced constant pressure of seeking perfection. When I immigrated to the US in 2013, I felt the pressure of overcoming both cultural and language barriers. Now with only one semester left, I look to a future where I must rely on my art and dreams to put food on the table. That’s a lot to ask of something I love. Can we put this much pressure on art and still love it? With this film, I hope to both share and discover that the dream is not making it but making it through each difficult day with your dream still intact. Not to dance in the conservatory, but to simply dance.
What makes this one special
- A student film
From the Judges
From the Judges
A luminous portrait of a dancer's world that lingers after the final frame. They responded warmly to a concept both beautiful and quietly ambitious, brought to life through richly considered costume design and cinematography that gives every image real texture and grace. The result is a short that carries its subject with genuine feeling and a confident visual eye.
Director's Biography
Aida Gevorgyan Director
Growing up, Aida Gevorgyan always knew from an early age that she wanted to pursue a career in the film industry. She has recently graduated from USC Cinematic Arts in Film and TV Production and is developing a TV show. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, she has distinguished herself as a Director and Producer. She has directed over 7 films, including short films: To Be, Dancing in the Closet, The Deal, and Big Foot. She has also worked as a first assistant director for a TV Show, Nova Vita, for “USATV” Production and a feature-length film, “Hunter’s Moon”. Besides short films, Aida has directed music videos and produced more than 10. As a graduate student at the University of South California, Aida has been nominated for the Annenberg Directing Fellowship.
Trailer
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IRIS was Winner of Best Student Film and Best Emerging Female Director at the AFIN International Film Festival 2023, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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