EP 217 "T-Time Tuesdays "With Special Guest ~ We Exist Documentary Film Director"

In this special episode of the Breakfast with Tiffany Show, Tiffany Rossdale sits down with Australian filmmaker Felicity Tillack, whose latest documentary, We Exist, shines a spotlight on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in rural Japan. Living in Kyoto, Felicity brings a unique perspective to this underrepresented community, exploring what it means to be queer in areas where being out isn’t just uncommon, but can feel isolating and even dangerous. Together, Tiffany and Felicity unpack the inspiration behind the documentary, the challenges of making it, and the powerful stories it captures.

The conversation dives deep into the heart of Felicity’s personal journey. She shares a pivotal experience from her time teaching in a small Japanese town, where an elderly woman’s casual, dismissive remark about a famous gay celebrity deeply affected her. This moment planted the seed for We Exist, and Felicity explains how it became a driving force in her mission to give rural LGBTQ+ people a platform to tell their own stories. These voices, often unheard in larger media discussions, highlight the unique struggles faced by queer individuals living outside Japan's urban centers.

Tiffany, who played a vital role as the host and producer on the documentary, shares her own reflections on what drew her to the project. She discusses how her background, both as a transgender woman and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, made her passionate about helping Felicity bring these stories to life. The pair recount their journey to connect—starting with an online filmmaker's group and leading to a creative partnership that brought We Exist to fruition despite the hurdles of the pandemic.

With humor, warmth, and vulnerability, Tiffany and Felicity chat about the process of making an indie film, from long nights of editing to navigating the complexities of funding a grassroots project. Their bond, forged through a shared dedication to telling authentic, powerful stories, shines through as they reflect on how the film has impacted their own views on identity, acceptance, and community. The episode captures a beautiful mix of personal stories, creative challenges, and hope for a more inclusive future for LGBTQ+ individuals everywhere.

Whether you're passionate about indie filmmaking, curious about LGBTQ+ life in Japan, or simply enjoy hearing heartfelt conversations, this episode of Breakfast with Tiffany Show offers an intimate, thought-provoking listen you won’t want to miss.

We Exist Documentary Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RZEMqvJ_8M

Felicity Tillack’s Website (Where Next Japan): https://www.wherenextjapan.com/