Saying Goodbye To Elis

About the Doc

Overwhelmed with debts and financially unable to provide a better life for her young daughter, Anna, a single mother from Czechia decided to take a controversial step by moving to Ireland and becoming an escort.

Anna did this for three years before she saved enough money to leave the sex work industry. She now lives back in her rural hometown with her daughter.

A few years after leaving the sex industry she has decided to make the brave decision to return to Ireland. This short doc follows Anna as she makes the journey through the country where so much of her trauma and past has been left unresolved.

This documentary explores her journey, examining the sacrifices that Anna made, the emotional toll of her decisions, and the strength that drives her forward.

Director’s Note

‘Saying Goodbye to Elis’ is a story of resilience, bravery and love. This documentary explores Anna’s journey from a past marked by sacrifice to a present day shaped by self-acceptance, as she returns to Ireland to confront the trauma and stigma she left behind.

At its core, this film challenges the prejudices and societal judgments surrounding sex work. This documentary is intended to help humanise a path often dismissed or misunderstood, showing the strength and compassion it takes to both survive and move beyond a world steeped in stigma. ‘Saying Goodbye to Elis’ invites it’s audience to deeper understand the sex work industry. Furthermore, this film challenges it’s audience to empathise with a world widely scorned and judged.

What sets Anna apart is her humour—a sharp, dark wit that transforms pain into strength. Through her lens, we explore not just survival but the complexities of identity, healing, self-acceptance and love.

This film celebrates Anna’s spirit, her courage to reclaim her story, and the universal pursuit of freedom.

— Ana Francis

Any donations are deeply appreciated and will not go unnoticed. Funds will help us to get Anna to Ireland. All donations will help us to pay for transport, accommodation, petrol and food to help feed all the hard working crew and contributors. We know it is a very hard time for many so please only donate if you can afford it and no amount is too small, any amount helps us in making this important and wonderful documentary. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a huge thank you to everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the support!

All our love,

Ana Francis (Director/ Producer )

Daniel Byrne (DoP)

Orla Engstfeld (Editor)