“This is a campy and queer black comedy, a bit naughty but made to make people laugh”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE PROVIDED BY IRIS PRIZE
Buzz waits outside the apartment building of his anonymous Grindr hookup, imagining all the depraved ways this night could end. Horrified yet horny, Buzz buzzes the buzzer. This is the premise of Nora Dahle Borchgrevink and Lyndon Henley Hanrahan’s new short film I Hope He Doesn’t Kill Me which has been nominated for the prestigious Best British Short at the Iris Prize Film Festival 2024. We spoke to Nora to find out more about bringing this raunchy dark comedy to life.
What was the inspiration behind this film? And why do you think it’s important to showcase these themes in LGBTQIA filmmaking?
I Hope He Doesn’t Kill Me was inspired by the fear and excitement that accompany anonymous gay hookups. A gay man thinks through everything that can go wrong just as he is about to step through a stranger’s door. I knew Grindr was very different from the apps I (a queer woman) have used – much more direct and explicitly sexual – and I’d always been a bit jealous of it. Making this film with Lyndon (writer/co-director), made me see more nuance. The short showcases how the search for love, sex and connection – the universal theme – can be intertwined with risk and danger in the gay community. I think it is important to try to create empathy for the different ways we all experience the world. Empathy through comedy! (Grindr still seems fun).
Queer stories are rarely told. What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
I hope they have fun! This is a campy and queer black comedy, a bit naughty but made to make people laugh.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while making this film? On the flip side, what are some of your favourite moments?
We made this film for 800 pounds! There are thousands of challenges with a budget that low, but we made this with theamazing members of our film collective, Donkey Tail Productions, and a fantastic cast and crew. It was a labour of love, and the challenges have completely faded away. What I remember is a lot of laughter as we were trying to safely put Lyndon in shibari bondage on a table while also protecting his modesty (his ass).
Why are celebrations like the Iris Prize Film Festival so important for the community and the preservation of queer film?
I am so grateful that the Iris Prize Film Festival exists! These celebrations allow queer filmmakers to take risks, be inventive and feel free to explore new stories. The Iris Prize Film Festival also shares queer stories with a wide and broad audience, so that people can be entertained, learn from and empathise with stories about different lives and loves. Thank you!
How did you get into filmmaking and what has been your biggest challenge in the industry?
I was a child actor in a small TV series. So far, the biggest challenge is funding! Money, money, must be funny. One day!
Why is LGBTQIA representation in film so important in 2024?
Queer representation in film is important every year! Firstly, because queer people are great. Secondly, we have to keep sharing and taking in stories from all communities, to better understand the society we are a part of, to better share it, and to be kind to others while we get on with our lives.
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