Iota
Future Imperfect Films | Dir - Simon Dennis | Prod - Simon Dennis
35mm | Anamorphic | 2.35:1 | 11 mins
Iota is the powerful story of loss and rediscovered communication within a remote and voiceless family. How you define the ending is how you define yourself.
International Awards
- Kodak Award “Best Short On Film” - Icewhole.com
- Audience Award - Jim Poole Awards
- Innovation Award - Ohio Independent Film Festival
- Best Cinematography Award - Sci-Fi London Festival
- Best Short & Best Performance – Scottish Baftas
- Director’s Choice Award - Filmstock Film Festival
- Best International Short - Griffon International Film Festival
- Best Cinematography - Leicester Film Festival
- Best Foreign Film - Rhode Island Film festival
- You Peoples Award - Capalbio Cinema Film Festival
- BEST FOREIGN SHORT - Arizona International Film Festival
- BEST SHORT NOMINATION - Kodak-Bafta Showcase
- BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Kodak-Bafta Showcase
- PLATINUM REMI AWARD - WorldFest Houston Film Festival
- GRAND JURY PRIZE BEST SHORT - Bare Bones International Film Festival
- DIRECTORS CHOICE AWARD - Filmstock Film Festival
- BENSEER BEAR IN SILVER AWARD - Festival De Nations, Austria
- BEST DRAMA - Chichester Film Festival
Review
'Eye For Film' - This film has picked up a clutch of awards, touring the world's short film festivals, and it's no surprise. It is Christmas time and there may well be a need to be afraid. Things are twinkly in the house, but the atmospheric score by Graeme Nielson suggests not everything is mince pies and mistletoe. April (Natasha Watson, who plays twins) wakes up in the night, unable to sleep. She sees someone outside, but a steely thread of dread tells you it ain't Santa. Next thing you know, she's running down the beach, leaving Dad (Stephen McCreadie) and sister Sam behind. To tell you more would spoil what is a very well made chiller. The direction is atmospheric, without being overly arty. The story runs effortlessly, as you hear the unease creep up behind you. More soon, please, Mr Dennis
YouTube Comments
"I usually don't write comments or watch a short twice, but you have a mastered skill my friend" - Norman Bjorvand
"Gave me chills, visually Stunning and thought provoking. No idea why this hasn't got more attention on here" - Gerran H
"Stunning short. Don't think I've seen better!" - It's AboUK
"I was entirely moved by Iota. It's a cinematic tour de force" - Photohumourist
"Absolutely beautiful! A very dramatic story told with such sweet silence. Great style and interesting choice of location. Hope to see more from you" - Sugarpie
"Beautifully Made and Haunting Short Film" – TimenTide from Florida
IMDB Comments
I loved this film. It was simply beautiful and shows what can be achieved in the short format. I saw the film at a festival and it is bar none the best short I have seen to date. I was at a a smaller fest and happened upon a shorts program. I was so taken by the piece that I would love to own it. I hope it gets some more exposure because it really should be seen. I hope to see more work from the Director, there is serious talent behind his camera, bravo. I would love to see a long form piece by this director just to get a sense of his skills with other material. Again, great work and i cannot recommend it more highly. – “Voiceof1 from United States”
This is a remarkable short film that has echoes of the silent era. I was really moved by the performances (the young girl, Natasha Watson in particular delivers a performance of amazing maturity), they have a real simplicity and are genuinely emotive. The overall look of the film is remarkable, the stark, haunting beach setting compliments the mood and tone of the story terrifically. The director, Simon Dennis has managed to create a sense of wonderment and mystery whilst carrying a natural humour that leads the viewer into the story. It ticks all the boxes for what should be achievable in a short film and I am sure that the film maker will be seen soon directing features if the strength and beauty of this piece is anything to go by. This is definitely a director who I will be keeping my eye on. – “Megabasswalkman from United Kingdom”
I've seen this short on the Sundance Channel (USA) several times, and it's always a pleasure to watch again. I don't want to say too much about the plot since I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't seen it yet. The heart of the story is about the loving relationship between a single father and his twin daughters. However... there is another very interesting element to the story which is supernatural, though never quite slipping into horror or sci-fi, if taken literally. Or... if taken figuratively... but that's part of the beauty here... much is left to the imagination or one's interpretation. The cinematography is gorgeous, the mostly non-verbal acting performances are wonderful, the story is interesting, sweet and yet haunting, and the quiet beautiful music sets the perfect mood. Definitely check this short film out if you get the chance.
I saw this film when it was exhibited at the same festival as one of mine, and I must say I was blown away by the cinematography on this very moving and heart-warming piece. Simon Dennis expertly captures the environment around his characters and the supple warm imagery compliments the heart-warming narrative perfectly. The tale itself is very moving, portraying the intimate bond between a father and daughter united through the agony of loss. The performances, particularly by the young Natasha Watson cannot be faulted, with both actors evidently having put great effort into understanding the motives and concerns of their characters. Credit must also go to Dennis (or whoever was responsible) for achieving such an impressive level of performance from such a young actress. Overall this piece is a beautiful example of what can be achieved within a short film, both visually and through the progression of narrative. I would definitely recommend viewers experience it for themselves in order to see the elegance of this piece first hand. “Adam Etherington from England”
