Glitter, Acid, and Coming Out: A 70s San Francisco Story

Andrew Durham's directorial debut, "Fairyland," produced by Sofia Coppola, brings Alysia Abbott's memoir to the screen. The film chronicles a unique childhood in 1970s San Francisco, where a daughter grows up with her gay father, writer Steve Abbott, surrounded by a bohemian world of glitter and feather boas.

The story draws heavily from both Abbott's experiences and Durham's own life. Like Abbott, Durham navigated a San Francisco upbringing after his parents' separation and later cared for his father after he contracted HIV, with both fathers passing in 1992.

Coppola, a long-time collaborator with Durham, saw a profound connection to the material, relating to its themes of father-daughter dynamics. The production, backed by Coppola's father's company Zoetrope, aims to champion stories of unconventional families and the enduring impact of personal sacrifices.

The film's narrative highlights the profound bond between father and daughter, exploring poignant moments like the father's struggle with memory loss and the critical context of early HIV medications like AZT. Durham emphasizes the sacrifices made by his father's generation for current advancements in HIV prevention, like PrEP.

"Fairyland" resonates with contemporary concerns about LGBTQ+ rights and societal acceptance. Both Coppola and Durham express concern that discussions around queerness and diverse family structures remain contentious in 2026, underscoring the film's enduring relevance.