Film
The People’s Joker (15)
Dir. Vera Drew, US, 2023, 92 mins. Cast. Vera Drew, Lynn Downey, Kane Distler.
A law-breaking comedian who is grappling with her gender identity forms a new anti-comedy troupe and finds herself battling a fascistic caped crusader. This revolutionary DIY parody film and hilarious reimagining of the classic autobiographical coming-of-age story follows an unconfident, closeted trans girl as she moves to Gotham City to make it big as a comedian by joining the cast of a government-sanctioned late-night sketch show in a world where comedy has been outlawed.
As mainstream success eludes our heroine, leading her to unite with a ragtag team of rejects, misfits and lover Mister J, she is born again as a confident (and psychotic) joker on a collision course with the city's fascist caped crusader. Vats of feminizing chemicals, sexy cartoon interludes, scarecrow psychiatrists, CGI Lorne Michaels, and psychedelic gender dysphoria all play supporting roles.
Writer / Director / Editor / Star Vera Drew created this maximalist masterpiece using her own life experiences which was stuck in copyright hell until this year’s release. Join us for this gender joyride that is as much of a deeply felt personal journey as it is a hilarious parody.
For detailed information about the film's age rating and content notices, you can visit the BBFC website and search the film title, then scroll down to the “Content Advice” section: www.bbfc.co.uk
Trans Day of Visibility Double Bill: In partnership with Trans Pride Plymouth, for International Trans Day of Visibility, we are delighted to be screening on Saturday 29th March Shinjuku Boys, a rarely seen classic documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Kim Longinotto (Shooting the Mafia), and a new cult-classic-in-the-making, The People’s Joker. Get a discount (each ticket for £6) when you book tickets for the 2 films at the same time.
A law-breaking comedian who is grappling with her gender identity forms a new anti-comedy troupe and finds herself battling a fascistic caped crusader. This revolutionary DIY parody film and hilarious reimagining of the classic autobiographical coming-of-age story follows an unconfident, closeted trans girl as she moves to Gotham City to make it big as a comedian by joining the cast of a government-sanctioned late-night sketch show in a world where comedy has been outlawed.
As mainstream success eludes our heroine, leading her to unite with a ragtag team of rejects, misfits and lover Mister J, she is born again as a confident (and psychotic) joker on a collision course with the city's fascist caped crusader. Vats of feminizing chemicals, sexy cartoon interludes, scarecrow psychiatrists, CGI Lorne Michaels, and psychedelic gender dysphoria all play supporting roles.
Writer / Director / Editor / Star Vera Drew created this maximalist masterpiece using her own life experiences which was stuck in copyright hell until this year’s release. Join us for this gender joyride that is as much of a deeply felt personal journey as it is a hilarious parody.
For detailed information about the film's age rating and content notices, you can visit the BBFC website and search the film title, then scroll down to the “Content Advice” section: www.bbfc.co.uk
Trans Day of Visibility Double Bill: In partnership with Trans Pride Plymouth, for International Trans Day of Visibility, we are delighted to be screening on Saturday 29th March Shinjuku Boys, a rarely seen classic documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Kim Longinotto (Shooting the Mafia), and a new cult-classic-in-the-making, The People’s Joker. Get a discount (each ticket for £6) when you book tickets for the 2 films at the same time.