Tigerlily Pictures’ feature-length documentary Hunky Jesus, has been announced as the opening night feature of the 40th edition of the BFI Flare Festival, holding its world premiere on 18th March in London.
Hunky Jesus captures San Francisco’s legendary, eponymous Easter celebration hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an order of queer and trans nuns who have spent more than four decades blending drag, performance activism and their irreverent wit to fight for social justice and equality. Hosted by the iconic Sister Roma and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Honey Mahogany, Hunky Jesus showcases how the Sisters subvert expectations and confront oppressive systems within religious and conservative circles.
The film’s narrative unfolds over the 2023 Hunky Jesus Easter celebration event in San Francisco, weaving together rare archival material, theatrical visuals, vox pops and first-hand anecdotes. Presenting the Sisters as cultural trailblazers whose message of “radical joy” resonates at a moment of renewed global debate around identity, faith and freedom of expression. Actor George Takei partially narrates the film.
The annual Hunky Jesus celebration is an outdoor festival-style party in San Francisco with performance, drag, and a competition crowning the best ‘Hunky Jesus’ and ‘Foxy Mary’ from a line-up of feathery, sparkly and colourful Jesus and Mary impersonators from the public. The event footage is interspersed with interviews with the Sisters, their honorary Saints including Honey Mahogany as well as religious leaders Father Donal Godfrey and Sister Barbara Battista.
Hunky Jesus brings together an award-winning creative team: director Jennifer M. Kroot (Sundance premiered To Be Takei about actor and activist George Takei), producer Brian Benson (Dolores), Spirit Award-winning producer Gerry Kim (Oscar-shortlisted I’m No Longer Here). The original score is composed by Michael Hearst (Magic Camp, Chicken People) and the film’s editor is Bill Weber (To Be Takei, We Were Here).
The film’s world premiere will be held on 18th March at the BFI Southbank.
Jennifer M. Kroot, Director of Hunky Jesus, says: “I’ve always been drawn to communities that create connection through creativity and courage. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have spent decades turning joy into a form of resistance and it felt more important than ever to capture their story on film. With humour and irreverence, the Sisters challenge guilt, shame and exclusion while serving their communities – a stark reminder that spirituality can be fierce, fabulous, and pure fun. It was important for me to capture first-hand the surreal and subversive nature of the Hunky Jesus event, so that audiences can revel in its absolute and total joy!”
Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, adds: “Easter is high camp. The dramatic tale of glory and betrayal, the miracle at the tomb, the angels, the palm fronds, the bonnets, the pastel colour palette – it’s all so fabulous and very gay. Jesus is the hero in that story and Hunky Jesus is our hero! This film is queer, campy, fun that celebrates the trademark creativity, sense of humor, and joy of LGBTQ+ culture.”
BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival takes place from 18th-29th March at BFI Southbank. Tickets go on sale from 24th February for BFI members and on general sale from 26th February. //whatson.bfi.org.uk/flare
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