Editor’s note: Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series debuts and celebrates the screenplays of films entering this year’s film awards races.
For her feature film debut, filmmaker Georgia Oakley returns to Britain in the 1980s, where Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government introduced section 28, a clause in the Local Government Act that prohibits the “encouragement of homosexuality” by local authorities across the country.
There were many protests at the time, but many gay women and men felt compelled to keep their sexuality a secret.
Blue pants, written and directed by Oakley, follows Jean, a high school gym teacher who keeps her sexuality a secret from her peers. The threat is immediate and real: if exposed, her love life could cost her her job. However, Jean finds little sympathy from her friend Viv. Outspoken and proud, Viv is part of a co-op of like-minded assertive lesbian women. Viv sees secrecy as surrender to an increasingly oppressive system. As pressure mounts from all sides, the arrival of a new girl at school sparks a crisis that will test Jean to his core.
Blue pants debuted at Venice Days, where it won the People’s Choice Award, and went on to play in London, Rotterdam and Zurich. The film also won four awards at the BIFAs, including Best Debut Screenwriter, and was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.
“My motivation to tell Jean’s story stems from a personal understanding of internalized homophobia, as well as a desire to give voice to the forgotten teachers who fought against Section 28 stigma and defamation,” Oakley said of the movie said. “I’m tired of everyone saying how far we’ve come when there are still insidious, homophobic laws like this around the world.”
The film stars Rosy McEwen, Kerrie Hayes and Lucy Halliday. Produced by Hélène Sifre. Additional credits include cinematography by Victor Seguin, editing by Izabella Curry, costume design by Kirsty Halliday and music by Chris Roe
Read the script here:
Source: Deadline
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
