<div><strong>COMING SOON!</strong>
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<div>Directed by Allison Smith and produced by Ethan Tran, <strong>Chuck Be a Lady</strong> follows the hard-boiled dragvestigative detective Piss Pissedofferson as he investigates the disappearance of one of She-cago's most beloved showgirls, uncovering a campy conspiracy hidden beneath the city’s nightlife…
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<div>This film is a dramedy that blends elements of the classic tropes and aesthetic of film noir, with the camp of queer cult classics.
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<div>Beneath the surface of writer Genevieve Neirink’s slapstick script, the film explores concepts of governmental corruption and the use of marginalized groups as political scapegoats, as well as highlights gender as a form of performance.
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<div>Central to the narrative is the concept of “chosen families” as a survival mechanism. The story portrays a queer community forced into self-governance and mutual protection, specifically highlighting the solidarity of queer women who spearheaded these support systems in the face of governmental indifference. While Film Noir historically reinforces rigid gender binaries through archetypal tropes, this project seeks to invert those conventions—we want to reveal that the detective’s grit is just as much a costume as the drag queen’s sequinned gown.
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<div>“This film is a love letter to classic cinema and drag—two things that are very near and dear to my heart. I was first exposed to drag  in middle school, and back then, through now, it has been instrumental in helping me find my voice. My personality, humor, and interests have all been shaped by the drag queens I’ve watched, and through this film, I hope to show my admiration, support, and love for the artists who have been fundamental to me becoming who I am.
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<div> I think, especially in times like this, where so many queer people are being bogged down, and drag artists are villainized, it’s especially important to share queer stories that are joyful and fun—to find light within the darkness. This film has been written with so much heart, love, and intention, and it excites me to see how equally passionate our crew is, and I hope you feel the same!”
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<div>-Allison Smith, Director
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<div>“I was 11 years old the first time I stumbled across drag. It was loud, absurd, fearless, and for a queer kid trying to navigate the world, it was the first place I felt completely free to be myself.
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<div>We’re on Chuck Be a Lady because queer joy is an act of resistance. In a landscape that constantly tries to sanitize or erase marginalized voices, taking up space with camp and unfiltered storytelling matters. People deserve to see themselves represented not just as tragic tropes, but as the chaotic, brilliant leads of their own stories. When you support this project, you’re helping us put stories on screen that deserve to be seen, celebrated, and preserved.”
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<div>-Ethan Tran, Producer
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<div>To bring this film to life, <strong>we need your support!</strong> Pulling off a sleek, shadowy noir world packed with full-beat drag takes a lot more than a standard class assignment setup. To bridge the gap and make Chuck Be a Lady look like the professional, cinematic spectacle it deserves to be, we're building this production from the ground up.
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<div>Every dollar directly contributes to:
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<li><strong>Setting the Scene</strong>: Securing five unique Chicago locations and supporting the gracious local business owners hosting our crew.
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<li><strong>The Drag</strong>: High-end wigs, bespoke costumes, and full cosmetics. High-art drag takes real investment, and we’re committed to honoring the craft visually and authentically.
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<li><strong>World-Building</strong>: Giving our production designers the decor, vintage props, and styling materials needed to build a rich, atmospheric universe.
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<li><strong>Pro Tech &amp; Safety</strong>: Renting high-end lenses, lighting rigs, and sound equipment, alongside covering transportation and keeping everyone fed on set.
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<div>We can’t do it without you—your support is <strong>crucial!</strong> We are deeply passionate about bringing this narrative to life.
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<div>By donating, you will get a <strong>credit</strong> at the end of the film, as well as <strong>exclusive BTS and updates</strong> on the project’s progress.
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<div><strong>Spread the word!</strong> Tell your friends, family, and anyone you know about our project. We'd like to share with them about our project and how they can help us make it happen!
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<div>For more information and updates on our film, follow us on <strong>Instagram: @chuckbealady.film</strong>
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Leigh Ann Belton

Julia McGrath

Patrice Ryan-White

Susan Gimbl

Elma Suljic

Alexandra Bradley

Clare Hur

Anna Scheppmann

Ava Parr

Isabel Grace Ladera

Molly Swanson

Genevieve Neirink

Emelia Pugh

Keegan Gallagher

Bella Reynolds

Laurence Watts

Brooke Lopez-Ryan

sunn sunni

Denise & Don Smith

Christine Moore

Help fund 'Chuck Be A Lady' and Support Local Drag

Help fund 'Chuck Be A Lady' and Support Local Drag

Still $1,884 to go. Help us build momentum.