Fairyland is a 2023 coming-of-age film based on Alysia Abbott’s memoir, chronicling a father and daughter’s relationship in 1970s and ’80s San Francisco. The story explores the evolution of their bond from a bohemian lifestyle through the heartbreaking era of the AIDS crisis. Starring Emilia Jones as Alysia and Scoot McNairy as her father, a queer poet, the film delves into themes of family, love, and acceptance amidst social change.
Preceded by the short film The Last Gift.
The Last Gift: Jim’s Courage, Our Hope is a deeply human short documentary about love, legacy, and the pursuit of an HIV cure. As Jim faces a heart-wrenching diagnosis, he makes an extraordinary choice – to join The Last Gift, a groundbreaking rapid-autopsy research program at UC San Diego. His final act of generosity gives scientists at UC San Diego and Gladstone Institutes a rare opportunity to study how HIV hides in the body and how it might one day be cured. Through their eyes, we see the power of Jim’s gift – not just as data, but as a story of courage that fuels discovery. The researchers share their gratitude, reflecting on how every breakthrough is built on the selflessness of people like Jim.At its heart, this is also a love story: Jim and his wife, Susan, navigating loss with humor, tenderness, and grace. Together, they turn the end of one life into hope for millions.
Q&A with the Directors and others following the film!
Andrew Durham, Writer & Director – Durham makes his feature screenwriting and directorial debut with Fairyland. He is a graduate of the USC School of Cinema and Television and has worked with directors including David Lynch, Christopher Guest, Wes Craven, and Oliver Stone. He began a long-standing collaboration with Sofia Coppola after producing her short film Lick the Star and later worked as a producer for MTV Networks and Vice President of Production at Fox Television Studios. Shifting his focus to photography, Durham has shot for Vanity Fair, The New York Times, French Vogue, and major brands such as Louis Vuitton and Dior, while continuing to document Coppola’s film sets.
Dr. Patricia Defechereux, Moderator. – Patricia is the community engagement coordinator for the HOPE Martin Delaney Collaboratory, an international group developing a new approach to cure HIV. She has been involved in the birth of PrEP for HIV prevention, treatment and care for over 2 decades after training as a molecular virologist studying HIV and herpesviruses’ pathogenesis. She is passionate about social justice and the healing power of the arts to bring together basic scientists, public health researchers, artists and community members to reflect on barriers to equal access to health. She volunteers at a Rescue Pony Club, advocating for horses and nature as well. She is a Belgo-Irish mother, grandmother and dancer.
Dr. Sara Gianella Weibel is a physician–scientist and Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego, internationally recognized for her leadership in HIV persistence research and for co-founding, together with Dr. Davey Smith, the Last Gift program—one of the most innovative and ethically grounded rapid-autopsy initiatives in the world. Through deep partnership with altruistic participants at the end of life, the Last Gift generates unprecedented insights into HIV reservoirs across tissues, advancing cure-directed research while honoring the dignity, values, and legacy of each participant.
Susan Dickerson is the wife of Jim Dunn, one of the first participants who joined the Last Gift. It is through the unwavering care, strength, and support of partners like Susan who help the participants maintain their strength and mindset while participating in the Last Gift Study. Susan resides in San Diego with her grandson and many wonderful, loving friends.
