by FilmInk Staff
“It’s still incredibly surreal for me. To debut as a writer/director with a series on Netflix, that’s just not something I ever imagined would happen,” says Videoland writer, director and co-star Jessica Smith, who we spoke with recently upon the announcement of the series premiering at Queer Screen Film Fest.
“Queer Screen has always been a platform that uplifts underrepresented voices and they have been so supportive of us,” added Smith. “We jumped on the chance to share the series with their audience first.”
Videoland is a 6 episode series set in the 1990s about 17-year-old Hayley (Emmanuelle Mattana, who some may recognise from under-rated TV show Mustangs FC), who navigates her burgeoning sexuality through movies. It helps that she also works at a video store – remember those – where the entire series is set. Along for the ride is her bestie Tanya (Chi Nguyen), co-worker Daniel (Toby Blome) and crush Jennifer (Tahlee Fereday).
“I may not have been alive in the ’90s,” said star Emmanuelle Mattana, “but Videoland is a series about the timeless journey of finding yourself, coming of age and coming out. It’s such a joy to work on a project that celebrates the rich history of sapphic cinema, whilst joining the cannon itself, and doing it all with playful, heart-warming, pastel-hued nostalgic charm. It has been an honour to work with an immensely talented cast and crew to bring to life a work so close to my heart.”
A trailer has been released ahead of the film’s bow at Queer Screen Film Fest (tonight, more info here) and Netflix on 1 September 2024
