In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Vera Drew, Director & Co-Writer of ‘The People’s Joker, which has a special Trans Image/Trans Experience Film Festival (TITE) preview screening at the Light House Cinema on 14th February 2025.
The People’s Joker is a 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 UCB Live – 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 a certain love interest named Mister J, “Joker the Harlequin” 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. Helmed by writer/director/editor/star Vera Drew and using her own life experiences as a basis for the film, The People’s Joker is a deeply personal journey that’s as much documentary as it is parody.
In our Our Favourite Films of the Year 2024, Sarah Cullen included The People’s Joker in her list:
“One of the funniest films I have watched in a long time. To call it a parody of Joker is probably technically correct, but it’s very much building its own narrative – in fact its own universe – using Batman characters to say something completely new. Certainly, it’s a particular type of humour, with director Vera Drew starting out in editing and camera crew for shows, including Tim and Eric and Nathan For You. But if you like your comedy deadpan, understated and pseudo-schlocky this is the movie for you. Heck, it’s the movie for the people. “
The Trans Image/Trans Experience Film Festival (TITE) Ireland’s first festival of trans and non-binary cinema, takes place from 25-27 April 2025 in the Light House Cinema.
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