“We want people to recognise that LGBTQIA prejudice and discrimination is something we still need to be fighting against”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY ELLIE HODGETTS
Ellie Hodgetts’ new film Fairview Park is based on the murder of Declan Flynn, a major catalyst for Ireland’s LGBTQIA Pride movement. Nominated for the Iris Prize Best British Short, we spoke to Ellie about what inspired this new project and the importance of LGBTQIA representation.
What was the inspiration behind this film? And why do you think it’s important to showcase these themes in LGBTQIA filmmaking?
Our film, Fairview Park, is based on the true story of a man called Declan Flynn who was killed in a homophobic attack in Dublin in 1982. I came across an article about what happened to Declan about six years ago and it immediately hit a nerve with me as a queer person, and I started researching and eventually decided to try writing a script based on what I had read. A lot of the inspiration came from the anger and sadness I felt about what happened to Declan, and also the fact that there was no justice. I felt that it was something people needed to be aware of, especially as 40 years later, we are still faced with extreme discrimination and violence against the LGBTQIA community.
Queer stories are rarely told. What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
The main thing I want people to take away from the film is an understanding of what happened to Declan, and an idea of the person he was, which is a sheer contrast to the horrendous manner in which he was killed. And again, this happened in the 80’s but discrimination against the LGBTQIA community is still rife and you don’t have to look far to find recent stories in Ireland, the UK and around the world with stark similarities to this one. We want people to recognise that LGBTQIA prejudice and discrimination are something we still need to be fighting against.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while making this film? On the flip side, what were some of your favourite moments?
One of the biggest challenges for me was making the film as authentic as possible, both in terms of who Declan was, and also how Dublin was in 1982, and how it was to be gay in Dublin at that time. It was really important to me that we told this story to the best of our ability and with the sensitivity needed, and with Declan always at the forefront of my mind. We took a lot of time during the research and writing process and spoke with Declan’s brother, Paul, and with those who were in the gay scene in Dublin at the time, and they really helped to guide us with authenticity. And then of course working with our Production Designer, DoP and Costume Designer to bring that all to life, which was really inspiring. My favourite moments were spending time with the cast and crew who were all so creative and talented. I also remember walking onto some of the sets for the first time and just being in awe of how real it felt and the attention to detail – they were some great moments.
Why are celebrations like the Iris Prize Film Festival so important for the community and the preservation of queer film?
The Iris Prize Film Festival is important for the LGBTQIA community because it provides much-needed visibility and representation. Showcasing diverse LGBTQIA stories can really help challenge stereotypes and broaden our understanding of our community. It also means that filmmakers will be encouraged to create films with LGBTQIA storylines, and it proves that there is a huge audience for such films. By sharing queer stories, we are celebrating queer culture, history and resilience which all helps towards creating a more inclusive society.
How did you get into filmmaking and what has been your biggest challenge in the industry?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced in the industry is getting films funded. I’ve been lucky with being able to make a few short documentaries and films on a very low budget, but Fairview Park was the first time I’ve had a film funded. It’s a super competitive industry and there are a lot of talented filmmakers with amazing stories, and unfortunately, a lot of us are competing for the same sources of funding!
Why is LGBTQIA representation in film so important in 2024?
LGBTQIA representation in film is crucial because it ensures that diverse stories are told and that everyone can see themselves reflected on screen which helps to validate identities and experiences that are often marginalised. As a society, we are continuing to push for inclusion, and these portrayals of LGBTQIA stories are a way of reflecting the reality of our world and driving meaningful social change.
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