At 7:00pm

Filmmaker Vera Drew‘s queer-focused, satirical Batman send-up THE PEOPLE’S JOKER gained itself notoriety right out of the gate, when, following its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in 2022, planned screenings of the film were unceremoniously “pulled” due to “rights issues.” This dark, deeply funny coming-of-age satire also serves as an unofficial parody of the Batman universe, as it follows a law-breaking comedian who, while grappling with her gender identity, forms a new anti-comedy troupe with a friend before finding herself battling a fascistic caped crusader.

In addition to writing the film alongside her partner Bri LeRose, Drew also directed and stars in the lead role. The film also features Scott Aukerman, Tim Heidecker, Maria Bamford, David Liebe Hart, Robert Wuhl, and Bob Odenkirk.

THE PEOPLE’S JOKER (Vera Drew, 92 mins / NR) An aspiring clown grappling with her gender identity combats a fascistic caped crusader.