Reflections on a Shared History: Monica Zanetti on 'Ellie & Abbie (& Ellie's Dead Aunt)'

Teen love and ghostly mentorship make for a sweet combination in Monica Zanetti's romantic comedy. Speaking with the director, Stephen A Russell finds that the film is about much more than just coming out and coming to terms with one's identity; it's also a project born from a deep desire to rectify historical underrepresentation of queer women on screen, and one that seeks to tap into a long and rich Australian history of lesbian activism.

Additional keywords:
LGBTQIA+, Mardi Gras Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival, Sophie Hawkshaw, Zoe Terakes, Julia Billington, Rachel House, Julie Kalceff, Starting from … Now, All Men Are Liars, Ana Kokkinos, Only the Brave, queer coding, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Xena: Warrior Princess, Queering the Script, Backing Up Bilitis, Phyllis Papps, Francesca Curtis, Croc-a-Dyke Dundee: The Legend of Dawn O'Donnell, HIV, AIDS, Oxford Street, Imperial Hotel, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Stephan Elliott