Workhorse Queen

Director/producer: Angela Washko 
Year: 2021 
Duration: 88’ 
Country: USA, Australia 
Language: English 
Category: Fearless/Mātātoa 
Category Sponsor: MiNDFOOD
Topics: Arts and Culture, LGBTQ+, Media

Welcome along to the world of Mrs. Kasha Davis, as she explores the complex world of fame after competing on Rupaul’s Drag Race.

By day, Ed Popil managed a telemarketing centre in post-industrial Rochester, New York. By night, he transformed into drag queen Mrs. Kasha Davis, a 1960’s era housewife trying to liberate herself from domestic toil through performing at night in secret. After seven years of auditioning to compete on the reality television show RuPaul’s Drag Race, Ed Popil was finally cast on the show and thrust into the international spotlight, at the age of 44.  
 
Workhorse Queen explores the complexities of mainstream television’s impact on queer performance culture. Throughout the film, Ed Popil navigates the exciting highs and devastating lows of pursuing fame. With one foot inching toward Hollywood’s doorstep and the other cemented firmly within her beloved Rochester community, Mrs. Kasha Davis finds a surprising new audience at home as she works toward becoming the queer role model for children that Ed didn’t have and desperately wanted while growing up.  

[the film] is effortlessly entertaining, charmingly hilarious, and socially relevant in every frame.  
Josiah Teal, Filmthreat.com