The film’s cultural impact was immediate, grossing more than £70m worldwide.
In 2005, Hall teamed up with Elton John to adapt it into a stage musical.
That show went on to win 10 Tony Awards, four Olivier Awards and continues to tour globally, from Broadway to Seoul.
“It is one of those amazing things that keeps growing,” Hall said.
“That is the thing about art. It can be really specific and really local but can have this universal, wide appeal and Billy Elliot is one of those things.”
So what about the film itself – a movie that moved millions and was named by the BFI as one of the greatest British films of all time?
“I haven’t seen the film in a long time,” Hall admitted.
“But I have seen the musical hundreds of times…in all different ways, in all different nationalities.
“It’s thrilling to see. I saw a Japanese production with kabuki actors that was just incredible – it had me bawling my eyes out!”