Rachel Dax

Hi Rachel! Tell us a bit about you and what you do.

I studied BA Drama (Theatre & Media) at University of Glamorgan and graduated with a 1st Class Honours in 2008. I then went on to do an MA Film at University of Wales, Newport and graduated from there in 2011 (both institutions became USW). I now write, direct and produce Films and Audio Dramas and also write novels. I am a Visiting Lecturer in Film at USW and a part-time Lecturer in Creative Writing at Cardiff University. I am the founder and main programmer of LezDiff - Cardiff International Lesbian Film & Arts Festival which started in 2020.

What sparked the idea of LezDiff?

There were various reasons why I was inspired to found LezDiff. The main being that there has been a real dearth of focussed cultural events aimed at Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer Women in Cardiff. And  there are no dedicated lesbian/bisexual/queer women's spaces in Cardiff either. I realised that unless someone like me did something about that lack things would never change. When I was younger and lived in London it was women in their 40s and 50s who created these types of spaces and events which I went to, and now I realised it was my time to step up and do my bit or nothing will change. I felt very strongly that there is so much talent out there and often lesbians themselves are not aware of the Films, Theatre and Literature that represents them so it felt like an opportunity to really bring together women to celebrate work that represents and celebrates them. 

What did you enjoy most about putting the festival together and what were your biggest challenges?

I loved doing the programming - the challenge of putting together a range of films, music, performance and literature attempting to reflect lesbian, bisexual and queer women (including Trans Lesbians) of different ages, cultures, and creeds. The hardest aspect of the putting on a festival for the first time is getting word out to the target audience - and this took a lot of work. We also held the first LezDiff at the beginning of July when lots of people are on holiday and there are music festivals etc. going on at the same time. Not to mention it ended up being the hottest weekend of the year. We were thrilled that several of our events still sold out and we had strong numbers at all of them. 

What are your top 3 lesbian films that everyone should watch?

1. Desert Hearts (1986) Directed by Donna Deitch
2. Portrait Of A Lady on Fire (2019) Directed by Céline Sciamma 
3. Fire (1996) Directed by Deepa Metha

What is your favourite thing about writing and filmmaking?

I love both writing and directing. There is nothing more exciting than visualising a story and then seeing it coming to life. I love being on set  - even though at times it is stressful. The creativity and adrenaline rush is amazing and I really enjoy working with actors. My recent career highlight of working with Dame Sian Phillips and Brigit Forsyth for my film Time & Again was incredible - and indeed an honour to work with such incredible talent.  

What changes would you like to see in the tv and film industry relating to lesbian content?

I'd like to see more lebsian films and TV actually being written and directed by lesbian, bisexual and queer women. I find it staggering how many men are given money to make high budget lesbian films and how difficult it is for lesbians to get even small pots of funding to make lesbian films. Often this male interpretation of the lesbian experience leaves it somewhat lacking in authenticity in places, which is frustrating.