Draft:Iris (2024 film)

Iris is a 2024 Austrian thriller short film written, directed and scored by Michael J. Keplinger. The film was premiered at the Crossing Europe film festival on 2 May 2024 in Linz.

Plot
In the short film “Iris,” a young couple embarks on a night in a remote forest in their van. When the young man briefly departs, their conversation in sign language reveals Iris to be deaf and mute. Once alone, Iris’ evening takes a sinister turn when she receives a series of ominous messages on her phone. These messages contain secretly taken photos of her in various locations, culminating in an image of the van at its current remote spot. It becomes clear that Iris is not alone. Fearing for her safety, she locks herself inside the van, draws the curtains shut, and turns off the lights, plunging herself into darkness and complete isolation.

Release and reception
Iris was shown as part of the VÖFA regional championships in Upper Austria/Salzburg, where Keplinger’s sound design and score were particularly praised. Toni Wallner praised the fact that the film “created an arc of suspense with the music, but the music was nevertheless used discreetly and without ever getting loud, but was more intense and yet quiet.” Sophie Schaller's lighting and Flora Pauer's acting were also particularly praised. The film won the Upper Austrian state championship, a gold medal, as well as the special prizes for remarkable direction, remarkable acoustic design and remarkable image design.

The official premiere took place at the Crossing Europe film festival on 2 May 2024.