‘Blue Jean’: first look at Georgia Oakley’s social drama linked to Venice

Exclusive: Here is a first look clip Blue jeansBritish director Georgia Oakley’s first feature film took place at the Venice Days.

Written and directed by Oakley, the film is set in England in the 1980s, when Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government introduced Section 28, a section of the Local Government Act that aims to ban the “promotion of homosexuality” by of local authorities across the UK. For Jean, a gym teacher whose sexuality is a secret from her colleagues, the danger is immediate and real: if she is exposed, her love life could cost her her job. At work, every sideways glance, every whisper and every question about Jean’s personal life is a threat. But even the sympathy of her girl Live with her is limited. Proud and proud and part of a co-op of lesbian women with the same determination, Viv sees the secret as a capitulation to an increasingly repressive system. As the pressure builds on all sides, the arrival of a new girl at school catalyses a crisis that will challenge Jean in her heart.

“My motivation for telling Gene’s story comes from a personal understanding of internalized homophobia, as well as from those forgotten teachers who fought against stigma and slander under Section 28,” Oakley said of the film. “I’m sick of everyone saying how far we’ve come when these insidious and homophobic laws still exist around the world.”

The film stars Rosie McEwen, Carrie Hayes and Lucy Holliday. Helen Siffre is the producer. Other credits include photography by Victor Seguin, editing by Isabella Carr, costumes by Kirsty Halliday and music by Chris Ross. The film’s constellation handles international sales.

Blue jeans Oakley’s first feature film. Her shorts have been featured at dozens of international festivals, including SXSW and TriBeCa.

Oakley is currently developing a second feature film with BBC Film.