1. What inspired the story behind your short film?
Julia: The film was inspired by the powerful stories shared by the former contestants of the 2012 Miss Lesbian beauty pageant in Khayelitsha.
Vee: It grew from our reunion—and from the need to reflect, in our own voices, how our lives, families, and communities have evolved over the past decade.

2. What message or emotion do you hope the audience takes away from your film?
Julia: We want viewers to grasp the stark gap between South Africa’s progressive LGBTQ+ laws and the daily lived realities of queer people—where resilience and vulnerability coexist.
Vee: Life in the township doesn’t define or limit us. Violence—whether murder or so-called ‘corrective rape’—cannot erase our identity. Being lesbian is fully, proudly African.

3. What’s your go-to creative ritual before a shoot day?
Julia: Strong coffee, double-checking that my batteries are charged, and welcoming whatever comes with open eyes and heart.
Vee: Just showing up as my best self, every time.

4. What’s one film you wish you had directed, and why?
Julia: Harold and Maude—such a tender, unconventional story of friendship and love.
Vee: Tsotsi. It’s raw, real, and powerful.

5. If you had to shoot a short film using only three props, what would they be?
Julia: A 1966 VW Karmann Ghia Coupe, a quart bottle of Black Label, and a Polaroid camera.
Vee: My phone, myself, and my house.

6. What’s your guilty pleasure movie or series you rewatch all the time?
Julia: When Harry Met Sally.
Vee: Tsotsi—every time it hits different.

7. Why are short films important in today’s media landscape?
Julia: They’re compact, accessible, and often spotlight marginalised voices, sparking empathy and conversation.
Vee: They get straight to the heart of a story, respecting time while delivering impact.

8. What advice would you give to someone making their first short?
Julia: Having only made one short film myself, I’m still learning.
Vee: Same here—but I’d say, just start. Tell your truth.

9. What’s one question you wish interviewers asked—and how would you answer it?
Julia: “How does revisiting stories after years impact your work?”
Answer: It deepens the narrative. Time adds nuance—revealing transformation, consequences, and continuity.
Vee: I wish more people asked, “How are you doing now, after making the film?”
Answer: We’re all facing different challenges, but we’re supporting each other and doing well. The journey continues.

10. Why are festivals like the FAME Shorts Film Festival important?
Julia: They celebrate diverse voices and stories—especially ones made right here, like Rainbow Girls, which took shape between Long Street and Khayelitsha over 10 years. Showing it at home matters.
Vee: It’s my first time screening work in Cape Town’s CBD. FAME Shorts offers a platform to reach beyond our communities—to connect, inspire, and grow.