Michael Kuhl talks to filmmakers Dennis Keighron-Foster and Amy Watson about Deep in Vogue, their Manchester Vogue scene documentary which opens the Gaze Film Festival.

Manchester natives Dennis Keighron-Foster and Amy Watson started the journey of crafting the punchy, political, sexy film Deep In Vogue with a simple intention: to write a love letter to the nightlife that had given them so much. But their intention involved into so much more, and they have crafted a political piece that uses music, dance and raw talent to tell a story of oppression begetting a space of ultimate creativity.

The film is a personal project for the two co-filmmakers.

“My friend about four or five years ago said to me, ‘Oh my god, I have found your spiritual home, you have to come to this’,” Dennis tells GCN, “I felt, as a queer person, like there was no place that fully represents me on the regular gay scene. And I went and it was so encouraging...there’s no place like it.”

Amy added similar sentiments: “As someone who’s always been a little bit of an outsider, I feel at home there. Everything about it speaks to me, and I love seeing people be their best selves. Ive always been a part of queer nightlife because its where I felt most comfortable.”

The transporting film follows Manchester Vogue houses and their mothers as they build up to the Manchester ICONS Vogue Ball, and documents people creating confidence, authenticity, and inspiration in self-expression.