‘Queer Genius’ Salutes Four Women Creating Art Outside the Mainstream

Here’s your daily dose of an indie film, web series, TV pilot, what-have-you in progress — at the end of the week, you’ll have the chance to vote for your favorite.

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Queer Genius

Logline: “Queer Genius” explores the lives of four visionary queer artists: Eileen Myles, Barbara Hammer, Jibz Cameron and Shannon Funchess.

Elevator Pitch:

“Queer Genius” is a cinematic exploration of four visionary queer artists breaking down barriers in their creative fields as they confront fame, failure, censorship, family, gender, and sexuality. The film embraces the communal possibilities of “genius” from a particularly queer perspective crossing genre and generational perspective.

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The film features intertwined portraits of Eileen Myles, Barbara Hammer, Jibz Cameron (Dynasty Handbag), and Shannon Funchess of Light Asylum.

Production Team:

Catherine Pancake – Director/Producer
L.A. Teodosio – Consulting Producer (“Little Men”)
Laura Terruso – Consultant, Cinematography (“Hello, My Name is Doris”)
Michelle Lawler – Consultant, Cinematography
Jen Schneider – Cinematography
Sound Design: Emily Bate, Camae Ayewa, Sarah Hennies

About the Film:

When I was a young queer person I was desperate to find a path toward an inspired, creative life outside the mainstream. Too frequently “indy/alternative” culture ended up excluding me too. I eventually found my sources of creative inspiration and these artists became lifelines. I now have the chance to explore my “avant garde,” four visionary artists who have lived uncompromising lives as queer women. This film is concerned with their “genius” – the contents of their minds, their experiences, and creative practices. We also turn the concept of “genius” on its head as a communal vision of shared creativity.

Current Status: Principal cinematography is 90% complete, we are raising funds for post-production.

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