England, 1988. Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government introduces Section 28, a clause of the Local Government Act, which seeks to prohibit “the promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities across the United Kingdom. The threat is immediate and real for 20-something gym teacher Jean (Rosy McEwen), who keeps her sexuality a secret from her colleagues. If exposed, her love life could cost her her job. At work, every sidelong glance, every whisper, and every query about Jean’s private life feels like a threat. But Jean’s closeted existence gets no sympathy from girlfriend Viv, who is out and proud, and part of a co-operative of similarly assertive lesbian women, Viv regards secrecy as capitulation to an increasingly oppressive system. As pressure mounts from all sides, the arrival of a new girl at Jean’s school catalyzes a crisis. First-time writer-director Georgia Oakley sensitively explores a period of politically propagated homophobia, something that is happening even now in Florida. Winner, Audience Award, Venice Days, Venice Film Festival –Alissa Simon
Director Biography
Georgia Oakley was born in Oxfordshire, England in 1988, and is the director of numerous award-winning short films that have appeared in festivals worldwide. Her debut feature, Blue Jean (2022) premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2022 and won the Giornate Degli Autori People’s Choice award.