“I really wanted to shine a spotlight on her work. She’s such an incredible woman who made a huge and lasting impact”
INTERVIEW BY LYNNE REYNOLDS, IMAGE PROVIDED
Do you know the name Jackie Forster? If not, you’ll definitely want to learn more about the pioneering woman whose underground donor sperm operation helped the first sapphic couple to have children. And thanks to filmmaker and journalist Emily Sargent’s short documentary, Jackie, you can learn more about the activist’s life and legacy. Jackie is the third film to be made with the Iris Prize Documentary Film Finance Fund sponsored by OUTFlix. Iris’ Lynne Reynolds caught up with Emily to find out more about what she had to say on making the film and what’s next for the filmmaker.
What inspired you to make the film about Jackie Forster?
I came across Jackie Forster’s name in an article about LGBT+ history, and was amazed by her story – but also that I’d never heard of her and her activism before. I began asking around to see whether friends in the queer community knew of her and, when most people didn’t, I decided I really wanted to shine a spotlight on her work. She’s such an incredible woman who made a huge and lasting impact.
What has been the reaction to your film?
Speaking to people who’ve watched the film, the reaction has been similar to the one I first had right at the beginning – people can’t believe she isn’t a household name; especially as she’s such an outrageous, hilarious personality alongside her groundbreaking activism. It has been lovely to hear audiences react in real time to her sense of humour and wit.
How have things changed for you as a filmmaker since being awarded the Iris Prize Documentary Film Fund Award?
I have learned a huge amount in the process of making this film. Having never directed a documentary before or worked with archive footage, parts of it were challenging but I loved being involved in every step. It was also a big honour and responsibility for the project to involve Jackie’s family and friends so closely.
Can you tell me what is so special about Jackie being part of Iris on the Move this year?
The original mission for the film was to highlight Jackie’s impact on LGBT+ rights, which can still be felt today. So to be able to screen the film around the country is really lovely – I hope it means that Jackie’s name will travel, and that more people will get to hear about her amazing life.
What themes or stories are exciting you most right now — and can you share anything about what you’re working on next?
At the moment I am focusing on a couple of scripted film projects, both of which have LGBT+ stories at their centre – as well as continuing my work as a journalist.
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