The People’s Joker, a mixed-media movie directed by and starring Vera Drew, has been pulled from Toronto International Film Festival, allegedly due to “rights issues”. Variety describes the film as “a queer coming-of-age story set in the Batman universe”.
Take a look at the trailer for The People's Joker right here.
The film follows the story of a wannabe clown dealing with her gender identity, who aspires to be part of a TV sketch show featuring a cast of Harlequins and Jokers. “With comedy [criminalised] in Gotham City, the show is the only government-sanctioned space for funny people, but only those who will toe the party line,” the official synopsis reads (via Variety). “Disillusioned by a botched audition, Vera partners with a birdlike slacker to found their own alternative comedy troupe, attracting not only a rogues’ gallery of would-be comics, but also the ire of a fascistic caped crusader.”
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Variety write that apparently, before the film was shown, a title card was shown which claimed that it was protected under “fair use”. However, three further screenings of the movie at TIFF have now been cancelled, and a statement on the TIFF website reads, “the filmmaker has withdrawn this film due to rights issues. We [apologise] for any inconvenience.” Variety suggest that this may be the result of a cease and desist from Warner Bros. Discovery, however, the studio is yet to comment.
Speaking to Variety, Drew said: “I don’t respond well to bullying or pressure from faceless institutions. It only emboldens me and what I was saying with this film. We’re looking for buyers and distribution partners who will protect us and make this film accessible to trans people and their families everywhere.”
Featured Image Credit: Vera Drew, Haunted Gay Ride ProductionsTopics: TV And Film, Batman, Warner Bros