Photo Credit: ALTERED INNOCENCE
Los Angeles-based distributor Altered Innocence has sent shockwaves through the cinematic landscape with the release of the theatrical trailer for Vera Drew’s audacious feature debut, The People’s Joker. This queer coming-of-age, fair use superhero world parody is set to challenge conventions and redefine the boundaries of storytelling. Directed, edited, co-written, and starring Vera Drew herself, the film promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the world of cinema.
Theatrical Dates and Locations
The highly anticipated release is scheduled to hit the big screen on April 5th at the IFC Center in NYC, with Vera Drew in attendance for the opening weekend. The theatrical expansion will subsequently include over twenty cities, showcasing the film’s unique take on the superhero genre.
Notable venues include Landmark’s Nuart Theatre in Los Angeles, Austin Film Society in Austin, Sie FilmCenter in Denver, Roxie Theater in San Francisco, Northwest Film Forum in Seattle, Alamo Drafthouse Bryant Street in Washington, and Music Box Theatre in Chicago, among others. The complete list of theatrical listings for the US and Canada can be found on Altered Innocence’s website.
The People’s Joker is an absurdist autobiographically-inspired dark comedy that boldly reimagines the Joker’s origin. The story follows a painfully unfunny aspiring clown, played by Vera Drew as Joker the Harlequin, as she grapples with her gender identity. In a world where comedy has been outlawed, she attempts to join Gotham City’s sole comedy program but finds herself on a collision course with the devious caped crusader controlling the city.
The film’s narrative takes an unapologetic stance on rebellion and iconoclasm, drawing from Vera Drew’s own life as a trans woman and artist. Co-written by close creative collaborator Bri LeRose, the script weaves a tale that is both thought-provoking and humorous.
The People’s Joker features an ensemble cast that includes comedy multi-hyphenate Tim Heidecker, award-winning actor Bob Odenkirk, Maria Bamford, and Scott Aukerman, alongside Vera Drew, Lynn Downey, Nathan Faustyn, and Kane Distler in his film debut.
The film’s unique visual appeal is credited to the work of over 200 independent, predominantly queer creators, encompassing artists, musicians, and animators. Shot entirely on green screen, the film utilizes a wide array of aesthetics, including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and various forms of animation.
Vera Drew, born in Chicago and based in Los Angeles, has a prolific background in the alt-comedy world, with frequent collaborations with Tim Heidecker’s Abso Lutely Productions. Prior to The People’s Joker, Drew earned a 2019 Primetime Emmy nomination for Showtime’s Who Is America?, showcasing her talent in editing.
The film is produced by Joey Lyons and executive produced by Richie Doyle, Conor Hannon, and Riccardo Maddalosso. Cinematography is handled by Nate Cornett, and the original score is composed by Justin Krol, Quinn Scharber, Ember Knight, Danni Rowan, and electronic composer Elias and the Error.
After its buzzy world premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival and a subsequent U.S. premiere at the 2023 Outfest LA Film Festival, The People’s Joker has garnered recognition at several American and international festivals. Awards include a Special Mention in the North American Narrative Feature competition at Outfest LA and top honors at the Seattle Queer Film Festival and Oslo/Fusion International Film Festival.
The People’s Joker promises to be a cinematic tour de force, challenging traditional storytelling norms and celebrating the diverse voices and talents within the industry. With its groundbreaking approach to narrative, visually stunning aesthetics, and a cast of established and emerging artists, this genre-defying film is set to captivate audiences across North America.
SYNOPSIS: In the absurdist autobiographically-inspired dark comedy, a painfully unfunny aspiring clown (Vera Drew as Joker the Harlequin) grapples with her gender identity while unsuccessfully
attempting to join the ranks of Gotham City’s sole comedy program in a world where comedy
has been outlawed. Uniting with a ragtag team of rejects and misfits, Joker the Harlequin forms
an illegal anti-comedy troupe that puts her on a collision course with the devious caped
crusader controlling the city.
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