San Francisco is about to sparkle a little brighter this June. The world-renowned Frameline film festival has officially pulled back the curtain on its milestone th edition, and the internet is already buzzing about the high-energy lineup. From drag royalty to legendary activists, the festival is leaning into its roots to celebrate five decades of queer cinema.
The festival, which runs from June to June , has selected a trio of powerhouse films to serve as the Opening Night, Centerpiece, and Pride Kickoff features. All three will screen at the historic Castro Theatre, the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ film scene.
Champagne White Is Back
Opening night is set to be a “dragsploitation” extravaganza with the premiere of “Lady Champagne.” Written, directed, and starring the fabulous D’Arcy Drollinger, the film serves as a sequel to the cult favorite “Shit & Champagne.”
The plot is as wild as the title suggests: exotic dancer Champagne White finds herself framed for murder and thrown into “lady prison.” Naturally, she stages a grand escape using a combination of dance moves, one-liners, and disguises to take down a sinister perfume empire.
Social media is already lighting up over the cast list, which features a “who is who” of drag excellence, including Alaska Thunderfuck, Varla Jean Merman, Jackie Beat, Peaches Christ, and Nicki Jizz. “If Alaska is in it, I am there,” one fan raved on X. “Champagne White is the hero we deserve in .”
Honoring a Legend
The festival’s Centerpiece film on June takes a more reflective turn with “Barbara Forever.” Directed by Brydie O’Connor, the documentary explores the life and legacy of Barbara Hammer, the pioneering lesbian filmmaker.
This screening is a true full-circle moment for the community. Hammer was a longtime friend of the festival, having screened her early works there and receiving the Frameline Award back in . It is a poignant reminder of the artists who “built this city’s culture,” as Frameline Executive Director Allegra Madsen put it.
A Very “Hunky” Pride Kickoff
Perhaps the most talked-about selection is the Pride Kickoff film on June : “Hunky Jesus.” Directed by Jennifer M. Kroot, the documentary focuses on the infamous annual competition hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence every Easter Sunday.
Adding to the viral appeal, the film is narrated by none other than George Takei and features local legends Sister Roma and Honey Mahogany. “George Takei narrating a movie called ‘Hunky Jesus’ is exactly what I needed to hear today,” joked one TikTok user.
History in the Making
For the organizers, this th anniversary is more than just a party—it is a testament to the resilience and creativity of San Francisco. “San Francisco doesn’t just watch films, we make them, break them open and remake them in our own image,” Allegra Madsen shared in a statement. “That Frameline gets to open its th year with them, at the Castro, feels less like coincidence and more like destiny.”
Fans looking to soak up the atmosphere before the films start can head to the festival hub at Hamburger Mary’s, which opens on May . With the full program set to be revealed on May , the anticipation is only going to grow.
Whether you are there for the slapstick drag comedy or the deep-dive documentaries, Frameline is shaping up to be the event of the summer. As the festival prepares to take over the Castro once again, it is clear that years in, this community is still making history.
