Director’s Statement

When I was tasked with directing a short character profile for my master’s program, I immediately thought of MasVusi. I had last seen the artist and community organizer three years earlier while creating a short docuseries about a nonprofit they helped found. Since then, they had emerged as a DMV drag superstar. 

I chose to make this film because I felt compelled to fight back against US lawmakers’ attempts to silence and erase queer folks by telling the story of someone who makes it their job to stand up for justice and promote safe spaces for their community. As a counter to the violence and injustice faced daily by the LGBTQ+ community, I wanted to offer hope by showing how drag can act as a vehicle for queer liberation. I knew that MasVusi, a lifelong activist, would be the perfect person to explore drag as a form of political protest. I hope that the film will give viewers a taste of the pure queer joy MasVusi brings with her drag performances.

Credits

Directed and Edited by Lindsey Aranson

Co-Produced by Lily Huffman, Brian Terrill, Torie Smith, MasVusi

Cinematography by Lindsey Aranson and Lily Huffman

Sound by Brian Terrill and Lily Huffman

Awards

Award of Merit – LGBTQ Unbordered International Film Festival

Official Selection – Bethesda Film Festival

Official Selection – Silicon Valley Queer Film Festival

Official Selection – Community Stories Film Festival