God Save The Queens
An audacious candy-colored dramedy that follows a quartet of down-on-their-luck Drag Queens who end up stuck at the same therapy retreat. Together they face their respective plights with rapid-fire wit and a dash of the divine to discover common ground.
Interview with Writer/Director Jordan Danger, Producer Cecile Cubiló and Executive Producer Lainie Guidry
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
JORDAN: I wanted to write and tell a story that allowed us to see drag queens in their truest form when they’re without makeup and out of the stage lights. I was always intrigued by the at-home / family existence we’re not usually shown in other reality shows and scripted narratives.
LAINIE: I felt very strongly that this film needed to be made to showcase the individuals that embody drag and its unique, yet familiar, struggles. This film exists purely as a wonderfully sincere ode to the real lives of drag entertainers and those who support their dreams.
CECILE: We wanted to show the world what happens when the makeup comes off and the curtain comes down, and bringing real-life drag performers, willing to explore their raw emotions and be vulnerable on camera, was the only way to genuinely do that. Behind the sparkle and glamor of every drag performance, hides a human being with feelings, and we wanted to showcase that part, which is rarely showcased in films. This isn't a typical drag film; it's a film about people, who happen to be drag performers.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
JORDAN: I believe this film tells the Queens’ stories with a different approach than other drag films. Aside from that, watching these talented queens come alive in their respective roles is an experience worth partaking in. They truly shine and I hope people will take note of how unstoppable and hard-working these ladies are.
LAINIE: You should watch this film because it’s relatable to basically everyone. People from many perspectives will find humor and familiarity in the characters' experiences throughout the film.
CECILE: Because we made it for you. I strongly believe that you will instantly relate to one - if not more - of the characters, their struggles, insecurities and victories, even if you're not necessarily familiar with - or even into - the drag scene. It might inspire you to follow your heart and your dreams, no matter what the world thinks, no matter what anyone says you should or shouldn't do. Plus, it's guaranteed to make you smile, even laugh out loud, and possibly tear up a little (good kind of tears only, promise).
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
JORDAN: The script and film both evolved immensely since Their initial inception. I wrote the script originally as a short film, in an effort to showcase the life of an aging drag queen in Los Angeles. Since that little script, the film has evolved into a multi-story drag anthology that also intertwines the queens together through a therapy retreat storyline.
CECILE: Tremendously. It all started as a short film, which then turned into a multi-character anthology with a dash of divine added to it. Working closely with the queens and giving them the creative freedom to express themselves has allowed for some true magic to happen.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
JORDAN: We have had the pleasure of premiering at both Tribeca and Outfest. Both were wonderful experiences with positive reception. Watching the crowd at Outfest see the film for the very first time and experiencing it alongside the queer community, and those who have already developed their own love for all things drag, was a truly humbling and fucking beautiful thing to watch.
CECILE: The feedback thus far has been amazing. Beyond the fantastic reviews we've received, watching 600 people react to it live was truly magical. They laughed, they cried and sometimes all at once.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
JORDAN: If anything, the positive feedback has just solidified our passion for making this film in the first place.
CECILE: Even though our hope has always been to reach a wide audience, we've been amazed at the feedback coming from people who are technically not expected to "like" this type of film. And yet...
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
JORDAN: I just want viewers to see and experience the film, take with it what they will. I hope those who watch can see just how hard the cast and crew worked, and most importantly that they just have a bangin’ time and enjoy the experience of it.
LAINIE: We really hope that We Are Moving Stories can connect us with our most passionate audiences. We, ourselves, are very big fans of the amazing talents present throughout the film and I believe your readers will be thrilled with all the familiar faces.
CECILE: We're hoping to widen our circle of love. Your audience is all about moving stories (so are we) and we're hoping they'll be moved by our queens' stories. The fact that we're even here today talking about this film is a miracle. We're truly honored and grateful to be offered a platform to discuss it. Like most indie films, we've overcome a lot of obstacles to bring these stories to you, in the midst of a global pandemic but it ultimately came to life, thanks to the talent and dedication of everyone involved. It takes a village, and ours is definitely one you should consider visiting; we have an open-arms policy.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Distributors
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
JORDAN: I would love our queens to be seen in a light where they can be the focal point of films and TV going forward. We so often see drag queens in bit parts and I think highlighting them as main characters in their everyday lives is so much more interesting, they just have so much more to show.
LAINIE: I mostly hope that people that don’t necessarily fit our expected audience see the film and take something from it. It’s so rooted in human struggle and perseverance that I can’t imagine anyone not connecting with it. Maybe even walking away with a new perspective. I do believe that’s one of the most special parts about it.
CECILE: I really hope that people walk out of the theater with a smile on their faces and maybe, just maybe, a new perspective. I hope it will inspire people to never give up on their dreams and keep fighting for what they believe in, while truly and unapologetically embracing who they are.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
JORDAN: “What is a drag queen’s life outside of the spotlight?” That question alone helps us discover them in their everyday lives. Humans do what they love and what they need to do to spark joy and change the common narrative.
CECILE: "What if you were stuck on an island with someone with whom, per society's standards, you have nothing in common? If you dig deep enough, do you think you'll be able to find common ground?"
Would you like to add anything else?
JORDAN: Watch our film!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
JORDAN: I’m currently pregnant and growing a human being, so that has taken up a good bit of my life. Other than that, I am writing a psychological thriller in the science fiction genre. Not nearly as glam and flashy as the drag world, but definitely fun, nonetheless.
Interview: December 2022
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
God Save The Queens
An audacious candy-colored dramedy that follows a quartet of down-on-their-luck Drag Queens who end up stuck at the same therapy retreat. Together they face their respective plights with rapid-fire wit and a dash of the divine to discover common ground.
Length: 1:27:00
Director: Jordan Danger
Producer: Cecile Cubiló
Writer: Jordan Danger
About the writer, director and producer:
JORDAN DANGER (Born Jordan Hinson) was born in El Paso, TX. Growing up doing local theater, she developed a passion for acting and moved out to Los Angeles at age 11. She started out starring in Disney Channel original movie Go Figure and the hit SyFy series Eureka. She also started writing screenplays at the young age of 15 and has since penned many. Her first produced screenplay BREAKING & EXITING was released theatrically in August 2018. Her second screenplay and feature directorial debut, GOD SAVE THE QUEENS, a Drag Queen Dramedy based on MARMALADE, a short she wrote and directed, premiered at Tribeca.
CECILE CUBILÓ has been proactively working in the entertainment industry for over a decade, both behind and in front of the camera. Her family moved from Spain to France, where she grew up and started performing on stage at age 7. After obtaining a Bachelor degree in Business Management, her passion for filmmaking drove her to move to Hollywood. In 2013, she wrote, produced, directed and edited her first short film called THE LESSON, which took a stance against child abuse through the Film Festival Circuit, and has since produced numerous projects. Her first feature film BREAKING & EXITING, Peter Facinelli’s directorial debut, was released theatrically in 2018. Her latest feature film GOD SAVE THE QUEENS premiered at Tribeca. Simultaneously, she has guest-starred on shows such as WESTWORLD and NCIS, and has been working as a professional Stunt Driver in Film, TV and commercials for over 8 years.
Key cast: Alaska Thunderf*ck AKA Justin Andrew Honard (Stevie), Laganja Estranja AKA Jay Jackson (Rita), Kelly Mantle (Marmalade), Jordan Michael Green (Gigi), Peter Facinelli (Simon), Michelle Visage (Liv), Joaquim De Almeida (Hugo), Luenell (God), Zack Gottsagen (Nolan).
Looking for: distributors
Instagram: @godsavethequeensfilm, @jordandanger, @cecilecubilo
Hashtags used: #GodSaveTheQueens #GodSaveTheQueensMovie #AlaskaThunderfuck #LanganjaEstranja #KellyMantle #JordanMGreen
Other: IMDb
Made in association with: LANE E PRODUCTIONS, RATED ELLE PRODUCTIONS
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Palm Springs Film Festival/Camelot Theatres Palm Springs - Friday January 13th