The acclaimed Irish playwright and filmmaker discusses the inspiration behind her powerful psychological thriller, why trauma lives in the body, and her vision for bringing the story to audiences worldwide.
By Tyaira Felder
LOS ANGELES, CA (The Hollywood Times) — Some films entertain. Others challenge audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. With her latest short film, FAT, acclaimed Irish filmmaker and playwright Dolores Rice delivers an emotionally powerful psychological thriller that examines childhood sexual trauma, body image, resilience, and self-reclamation.
Making its World Premiere at Dances With Films in Los Angeles, FAT follows Maeve, a woman whose life is forever altered after a routine doctor’s appointment forces her to confront long-buried memories of childhood sexual abuse. As memories of the past collide with the present, Maeve embarks on a deeply personal journey toward healing and justice.
Written and directed by Dolores Rice and produced alongside Liam Beatty, with Ashley Dyson serving as executive producer, the film stars Liz Fitzgibbon, Willow McCarthy, Emmy Nolan, Leia Murphy, Maria Tropnikova, Darragh Feehely, Eneni Anthony, Bernard Colliton, Brendan Swan, and Darren Mone.
For Rice, the story was inspired by research. “I came across an article about the relationship between people struggling with weight and childhood sexual trauma,” Rice told The Hollywood Times. “Something like 46 percent of the people surveyed who had weight and eating issues had experienced childhood sexual trauma. I thought it was something that was really important to investigate.”
That discovery became the foundation for FAT. “The title is really about the weight and burden of living with trauma inside your body,” she explained. “There’s such stigma around it in society that people simply cannot talk about it.”
Throughout the film, Rice uses movement and dance as a visual language to communicate what words often cannot. “The body is where the crime occurs,” she said, “but it’s also where you can heal. That seemed to me the most powerful landscape to explore.”
Creating a film centered on childhood sexual abuse required extraordinary care behind the scenes. Rice worked closely with the child actor’s mother to create an alternate storyline during filming, ensuring the young performer was never exposed to the true nature of the scene. Adult performers rehearsed with an intimacy coordinator before filming, creating a safe environment that allowed authentic performances.
Premiering at Dances With Films carried special significance. “There was something romantic about it. It’s Hollywood. It’s the Chinese Theatre. It’s where movies are made,” Rice said.
Following the premiere, audiences repeatedly expressed that the story deserved to become a feature film. Rice confirmed that development is already underway. “I’ve already started writing the screenplay. We already have a production company in place.”
As FAT continues its festival run, including its Irish premiere at Galway Film Fleadh, Dolores Rice hopes the film becomes more than a festival success. “I want survivors to know they’re not alone,” she said. “And I want allies to have a way to begin conversations that so many people have been afraid to have.”
Here is the interview with director Dolores Rice:
Film Information
Written & Directed by: Dolores Rice
Produced by: Liam Beatty & Dolores Rice
Executive Producer: Ashley Dyson
Production Company: Alice Productions Limited
Starring: Liz Fitzgibbon, Willow McCarthy, Emmy Nolan, Leia Murphy, Maria Tropnikova, Darragh Feehely, Eneni Anthony, Bernard Colliton, Brendan Swan, Darren Mone
