Small Town, Big Wigs

A Tale of Rural Drag 

Documentary Film, Directed by Laina Barakat, Produced by Karlina Lyons,

Concept by Paulee Mekdeci

Executive Producer Tonya Marshall

From RuPaul's Drag Race to To Wong Foo, pageant queens have mesmerized the world with their high heels, enormous wigs and larger than life performances. But out in the back hills of rural America, drag artists, including Kings, have been entertaining folks for hundreds of years.

Without gay bars or queer spaces, these drag shows pop up in unexpected places like VFWs, libraries, and historic meeting halls. Audiences are often mostly comprised of straight people and allies. And these events are predominantly held as fundraisers for local charities.

In a time where the legality of drag is threatened in 17 states, the voices and stories of drag artists are more important than ever. Featuring drag houses with 30+ years of performance under their belt, you might be surprised by what you find tucked back in the hills.

Highlighting drag in rural New England, from a 30+ year running drag house to Southern New Hampshire's first ever "Gay Bar," Small Town Big Wigs goes behind the curtain to understand who rural drag artists are. Meet Bethadone Clinique, a Vermont Drag Queen in recovery, Vinny Baggadonuts, a stay-at-home-mom Drag King who served ten years in the military including a year-long tour in Baghdad, and Mama Mayhem a nurse in her 70s who has been performing in Drag since before the others were born. In a time where the legality of drag is threatened in 17 states, their voices are more important than ever. And legislators might be surprised by what can be found tucked back in the hills.

GET INVOLVED

Donate

Through our fiscal sponsor, Insight Productions, you can donate any amount. Gifts of $5000+ qualifies you for the film credits perk, so you will still see your name in lights!

DONATE NOW

Write a check to Insight Productions to donate:

Insight Productions, Inc.

c/o Wayward Ark Productions

742 Hickory Ridge Rd.

Westminster West, VT 05346-8930

Invest

Join the team and have the opportunity to attend film festivals, front and center at our local film premier, get IMDB credits & more…

Investment starts at $5000 and comes with film credit and backend. Our film is being produced on a modest budget and we believe it has the chance to generate profit for revenue shareholders. $1000 = 1/2 point (.5% backend)

Co-producer $10k (two available) - Invest or donate - gifts can be made at one time, or spread throughout a 12 month time-frame. Own 5% of the film and its revenue

Associate Producer $5k (three available) - Invest or donate - gifts can be made at one time, or spread throughout a 12 month time-frame. Own 2.5% of the film and its revenue

Email: lainabarakat@gmail.com for more information