“Growing up I hardly ever saw authentic LGBTQIA characters in film or TV programmes”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES BY TRACY SPOTTISWOODE
Based on the true story of the Ladies of Llangollen, Tracy Spottiswoode’s new film Sally Leapt Out Of A Window Last Night follows the lives of Sally and Eleanor as they flout convention in Ireland in 1778.
What was the inspiration behind this film? And why do you think it’s important to showcase these themes in LGBTQIA filmmaking?
I wanted to make a queer film that explored LGBTQIA themes and characters from Welsh history because we rarely see that on screen. I knew a little bit about the famous Ladies Of Llangollen but when I dug deeper I realised what an incredible “origin story” they had and how it would fit thematically with a feature I’m developing. They had so much courage standing up to a heavily patriarchal society in the late 18th century and risking everything to live life on their ownterms and it was sort of great that Wales was seen as the gateway to freedom for them to do that!
Representation is really important. Growing up I hardly ever saw authentic LGBTQIA characters in film or TV programmes, particularly female ones. If you don’t see yourself or your sexuality represented in the stories that are told that can have such a negative impact.
Queer stories are rarely told. What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
LGBTQIA people have existed throughout history and their stories need to be told. I love to reveal stories that are somehow hidden or forgotten so I hope audiences are intrigued and enlightened and if they’re struggling with making a leap in some way, hopefully take courage from Sally and Eleanor’s story too. After all, it had a happy ending so there’s hope there too.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while making this film? On the flip side, what were some of your favourite moments?
We filmed at the end of the Covid lockdown, so that was a challenge in many ways. The lead characters weren’t allowed to kiss for example, so the choreography around the moment when they are finally alone together had to be worked out creatively. The cast and crew were fantastic and really met the challenge of working to a tight budget and schedule for what’s quite an ambitious period drama short. I love that the crew put on white smocks to flit through the woods at twilight dressed as the White Boys (the equivalent of the Welsh Rebecca rioters) because we couldn’t bring in any extras. And working with the wonderful Caroline Lynch-Blosse in our edit bubble – her attic or my kitchen – was a joy too.
Why are celebrations like the Iris Prize Film Festival so important for the community and the preservation of queer film?
Festivals like the Iris Prize are crucial for so many reasons. They do so much to elevate the community and give voice to underrepresented filmmakers and provide a safe space for those voices to be heard. Being selected for the Iris Prize gives a status to your film and that can help programmers and commissioners feel more confident about your work. We’re lucky to have Iris Prize in Wales and know that many of these films wouldn’t exist without them.
How did you get into filmmaking and what has been your biggest challenge in the industry?
I started as an actress and stage designer initially. I worked with a lot of theatre companies that devised work so it was a natural way to write scripts and then directing, firstly in theatre and then in model animation which is when I learned about lenses and cinematography under the guidance of a talented – and very patient – DoP.
I’m the first in my family to work in the creative arts so the opposite of a nepo baby and I never went to film school either, so the biggest challenges have always been getting the technical knowledge, lack of connections (no film school peer group) and as a woman coming into a male-dominated industry later in my career. On the flip side, as a former actress, I do love working with actors and my design background means I think very visually. And the queer perspective I think makes you naturally look for alternative and creative solutions around a problem.
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