Here to Stay: Lisa O'Connor on her Filmmaking Journey

Hi Lisa! Congratulations on the success of Fleeting. How did the film come about?

I started writing what was then called Spitting Image in 2019 (the year after the abortion referendum). I had a termination that summer and found myself reflecting on my upbringing and growing up in a staunch catholic household. My father voted no in the referendum and I wanted to try to understand him deeper by creating this hypothetical conversation.

I made notes on my phone; that then transferred onto my laptop and after two years of it just sitting there, I entered it into a new-writing scratch night at Southwark Playhouse and it was selected.

My best friend (and extremely talented writer and director) Louisa Connolly-Burnham was in the audience that night she said "We have got to make a film out of this." We joined forces with the fantastic Augusta Woods who produced the film. Then the name changed and we adapted it for screen.

“It sparked many vulnerable conversations between women and the choices they've had to make and the shame they carry.”

How was your experience running a Kickstarter to bring the project to life?

We raised over GBP£7,000. It was such a brilliant way to advertise the project. People were so interested and so generous! I feel nothing has been made about this recent period in Irish women's history, so people were genuinely excited. 

I had to talk online everyday for a month about the project, and I really had to sell the idea. I was then so proud and confident about putting out the work - which can usually be such a daunting experience. 

How did the screening go - any memorable experiences or reactions?

We hosted it in my local cinema in London and my family joined. Friends, cast, crew and donors were all there too, which was so special. There were tears and it sparked many vulnerable conversations between women and the choices they've had to make and the shame they carry.

But even separate from that, many people just saw the parallels with their own parents or grandparents. The complex conversations that can hold such weight and how we navigate them while maintaining the peace.

“I miss the people. My people. I miss the attitude to life, a full life with loads of space in your day. A chance to daydream and wander and be curious and watch.”

What are you working on and excited about at the moment?

I'm always writing. It's where I go to feel calm and to connect to myself. I can't stop writing about home; I want to connect with filmmakers at home so I'm reaching out to many talents. 

I've a few stories brewing that I hope to get made in the next year. One is another short film called Unmarked. I'm also excited and passionate about sustainable fashion, so that keeps my energy high and my creativity flowing. 

Speaking of which, you're fantastically active on TikTok (@shopslowwithlisao)! What do you enjoy about the platform?

TikTok is terribly fun. I love how everyone and anyone can connect with your content. 

I get to tell silly stories and try out new fashion trends while speaking about a slower way to shop and take care of this perfect planet.

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What do you miss most about life in the West and what do you look forward to doing when you come back?

I miss the people. My people. I miss the attitude to life, a full life with loads of space in your day. A chance to daydream and wander and be curious and watch.

I lived in Cork for four years and used to travel back to Clare every weekend just to walk in the Burren - I thought Cork was too much of a city for me! How I've survived London for seven years is a miracle. 

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I also miss the fresh produce at home, and the friendliness you just can't find anywhere else. Fanore is one of my favourite places at home, looking across at Galway Bay. When I'm home I try to get up there if I can. My cousin and I did a day retreat with Anam Yoga last year in Fanore. It involved yoga on the beach, a hike and a sea swim, it was perfection. Ear Zane also does yoga and boxfit on the beach in White Strand Beach. I need to pop into The Well in Ennis when I'm next home, I hear it's the best. Oh and my local, Mountain Dew in Corofin, a favourite hideout for the O'Connors.