Producer’s Statement from Stacey Burns
(Short)
Bootlickers is a funny, stylish, edgy take on that transitional phase between being a university student and a ‘proper adult.’ It serves as a social commentary on the economic issues young adults navigate, with a nod of solidarity (and high five) to the sense of humour, tenacity and hope that our generation retains in such uncertain times.
(Medium/100 Words)
Bootlickers strikes a chord because it addresses the transitional phase between being a university student and a ‘proper adult’ during the cost-of-living crisis in Belfast. Stylistically, Bootlickers is a visual and sonic collage with a mid-2000’s edge. The characters were artists, and we wanted to represent the imagination, colour and creativity that manages to persist in a recession-struck city, and neglected house shares.
Bootlickers is a social commentary on the economic issues young adults navigate, and a nod of solidarity (and high five) to the sense of humour, tenacity and hope that our generation retains in such uncertain times.
(Long)
Bootlickers strikes a chord because it addresses the awkwardness and insecurity of the transitional phase between being a university student and a ‘proper adult.’ What sets Bootlickers apart from other coming-of-age films (which typically have the lead still in education) is that it explores that post-graduate point when you no longer have the ‘student’ label to justify the fact that you don’t have your life together.
In your mid-twenties, some friends are getting married, buying houses and getting promoted, and others are still living with housemates (or parents), working minimum wage survival jobs, and stumbling home at 6am. Bootlickers explores navigating this phase during the cost of living and housing crisis in Belfast, from the perspective of young creative Steph.
Stylistically, we wanted to have a digital, visual and sonic collage, mid-2000’s edge. Our characters were artists, and we wanted the visuals to represent the imagination, colour and creativity that manages to persist in a recession-struck city, and neglected house shares. As a producer, my intention was to bring together the right cast and crew to achieve this vision, without losing the sense of humour, tenacity, and hope that I also believe our target audience is armed to face the world with.
Bootlickers not only serves as a social commentary on the economic issues young adults must navigate, but also as a nod of solidarity (and high five) to the vivacity and resourcefulness that our generation somehow manages to retain as we work our way through it all.
Director’s Statement from Tanith MH
(Long)
We are creating a film about feeling lost in your 20s and the contemporary economy which has left many young people not knowing what to do. I find flawed characters interesting, so I wanted to write a story about someone who the audience feels for but ultimately isn’t a great or smart person. The character Steph loves punk icons like Poly Styrene, Joan Jett, and Patti Smith but doesn’t really have the talent or brains to follow through. She does have passion, which she channels into her skewed moral compass. Steph is someone who thinks of the greater good but not necessarily the consequences on the individual.
Bootlickers is a nod to all the Belfast emos, punks, and skaters I admired growing up.
They all had strong opinions and a drive to rebel against the oppressive environment that can exist in Northern Ireland. Whilst the story could arguably be set in London, I wanted to highlight how fast things can be gentrified in an up-and-coming city. This film should be made because it addresses a critical and growing issue affecting young adults today: the housing crisis. By telling a story rooted in personal experience and relatable struggles, Bootlickers aims to shed light on the systemic problems causing housing insecurity. It’s not just a personal story but a universal one, reflecting the frustrations and resilience of a generation grappling with economic disparity and societal neglect. By bringing attention to these issues engagingly and humorously, the film has the potential to spark important change. Additionally, it offers a representation of a disappearing subculture whose stories should be told.