Shane O’Callaghan’s Making Waves compassionately and proudly explores the uncertainties of the LGBTQ+ community in rural Ireland. His six subjects remind us that we are stronger as a group.

Filmed over a weekend at a gathering on the coast of County Clare, six LGBTQ+ people from multiple generations discuss their experiences, uncertainties and joys about being themselves in rural Ireland.

While Shane O’Callaghan pivots his documentary short into showing the possibilities of the hopefulness of the future for LGBTQ+ individuals in rural Ireland thanks to the opening of minds and the progress Ireland has made with inclusivity, he isn’t afraid to let us know and comprehend what life was like for far too many, before this level of acceptance was embraced. Importantly, too, he allows us to accept that there is still a way to go and that development is still needed and supported.

Some of our subjects in Making Waves are a generation or so older than the others; there is a sense of regret that it has taken this long for the LGBTQ+ community to feel any form of solace and confidence in being themselves. Our first subject talks about how many had to keep their lives secret from friends and family, with gay men and women going on to get married and have kids with people from other genders. It’s heartbreaking to know that people had to hide themselves this way, but reassuring that most are in a position where they can step out of the shadows and be welcomed and live the life they were meant to decades earlier.

So, when the others begin to talk about the support that now exists specifically in the gathering they are a part of that weekend as they learn to surf, etc. There is comfort in a place that some may not have had previously. Being different from everyone or almost everyone in your small community can be horrendously lonely and create severe emotional trauma. Having these gatherings of people who did not know each other suddenly allows them to connect, feel they are not alone, and decide to meet up and begin friendships, which is wonderful to witness.

There is a great line towards the end of Making Waves where someone states that people who are LGBTQ+ need to make themselves more visible, that those who live in the shadows need to venture out of it so that they can make it easier for the next generation. That is the supportive nature vital for the community to progress and develop. The current generations need to keep progressing for more freedom so that the hurdles will not be present when the next generation comes around.

Director O’Callaghan has created a thoughtful and heartfelt documentary with Making Waves. His subjects have gone through a lot and will continue to do so, but by building this community in rural Ireland, they will at least know they are not alone. Their openness is refreshing and allows us to accept the wins they and people like them have achieved so far in their lives. Ireland has come a long way, and as they say, it would be a damn shame to halt that progress now.

Making Waves is sometimes a reminder of what was done and what still needs to be done, but it is also a celebration. There, people are rightfully joyous at finding other kindred souls. Whether they be gay, non-binary, or transgender, it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that they are taking those precious moments to enjoy life while they can. That is the heart that O’Callaghan has achieved here. It is just a great documentary that fills you with hope.

Making Waves will be showing as part of the Competition Shorts Programme 1 on Saturday 22nd 1pm at the Queen’s Film Theatre. Tickets are available here.

★★★ 1/2

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