The film is a visual archive documenting some of the challenges and successes of temporary queer nightlife spaces in South Africa with the racial, social and economic barriers present in many (if not all) communities. Stories are candidly told by event organizers, DJs, burlesque dancers and curators who are shaping and reshaping the nightlife scene in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The interviews point to questions like “what makes a community?” and “how do we ensure the sustainability of these safe spaces for the future?”. In all the interviews I conducted the biggest challenge for all event organizers of queer and femme-centered spaces or events was in regards to safety and what structures were put into place that could ensure the safety of the people attending the event. 

I am interested in expanding this visual archive to include other individuals, spaces and events which are inspiring new ways of thinking about how to create safer spaces where women and queer people can explore their sexuality without becoming the targets of harassment or abuse. Most of the organizers and dancers I interviewed had a personal impact on my life and journey as a queer person. I felt it was deeply important to archive and document the work that is going into creating future 'protocols' and creating structures that might better protect the queer community post-Orlando, and in the current global political climate of right-wing extremism, fear-mongering and homophobia.