Guest Interview: Jessica Smith

Following its win for Best Comedy Series at the prestigious Series Mania, we sit down with writer-director Jessica Smith to discuss Videoland, before its Australian Premiere on Friday 30 August as part of the 11th Queer Screen Film Festival. Hear what she has to say about the series, the film that made her feel seen, and the importance of LGBTIQ+ film festivals.

Queer Screen: Tell us about the series and why everyone needs to buy a ticket to see it.

Videoland is a coming-of-age story about a teenage lesbian working in a video store in the ’90s who turns to the movies for help navigating her sexuality. It’s an important story about representation, but also a completely relatable one about figuring out how to exist in the world as yourself. It’s funny and sweet and will transport you back in time. And if that’s not enough, the performances from the lead cast alone are well worth the price of admission!

What do you hope audiences take away from your film?

Ultimately it’s a story of self-discovery and self-acceptance, so I’d love people to feel inspired to embrace their own identities fully, whatever they may be. It feels obvious to say, but completely accepting your true self is incredibly empowering. I hope audiences who have taken seeing themselves on screen for granted gain an understanding of just how important representation is, especially in relation to the self-discovery journey for groups who so often don’t. And, of course, I hope those groups feel seen! Finally, I really hope Videoland evokes a joyful sense of nostalgia for those who remember the ’90s and a fun window into the past for those who don’t.

There are more channels for LGBTIQ+ films than ever before, why are queer film festivals like ours still important?

I think we are a community who love to gather. It’s incredible to have so much more accessible queer content these days, but it feels like it means more when we can get together, in a safe space, and celebrate that together. And despite how far we have come, it is still so important to have dedicated festivals that amplify queer stories rather than treating them as niche and to provide support to emerging LGBTIQ+ storytellers who often have less opportunities available to them.

What was the first LGBTIQ+ film you saw that really impacted you?

This may be a slight Videoland spoiler, but it was Bound. It was the first film I saw that had openly and unapologetically queer female characters who were given agency and passion, who were allowed to be both feminine and masculine and weren’t portrayed as stereotypes or through a lens of depravity. I had seen a handful of films with lesbian characters that had definitely made me feel less alone, but this was the first one that suggested perhaps I didn’t have to dilute myself. I, too, could be a confident, tough, ex-con who steals two million dollars from my lover’s mobster husband!

Our festival theme is all about fun, flowers, romance and flirting. What’s the first film that pops into your mind when you hear that theme?

Ooh, there are a few, but I’d have to say Imagine Me & You! Flowers got it over the line. “I dare you to love me…” Ugh!

What is one piece of career advice that you would give your younger self when it comes to filmmaking?

Filmmaking is about relationships. On the creative side of things and the business side of things. Seek out other creatives, build relationships, learn from people and take opportunities wherever you can get them!