WFA 2021 Home Schedule Explore the Film Guide Education Parties News+Reviews GET TICKETS
Mister Sister is a drama about a suicidal young man who gets a second chance in life, leaving Milwaukee behind and moving to New York City. While trying to find himself and his voice with the help of the caring, charismatic LGBTQ+ community he befriends, he becomes NYC’s new hot drag MC – Mister Sister. With the documentary-style shots showing the fast-paced, cold concrete jungle that is New York City, it also brings the chic style of Glamrock into the fold.
By Tasha Joachim
See the feature film Mister Sister followed by a Q&A Session with the cast and director on September 30 @8:30PM at Cinema Village (22 East 12th Street) as part of New York City’s 10th Annual Winter Film Awards International Film Festival. Tickets now on sale!
Directed and written by Mars Roberge and shot in just 12 days right before NYC’s lockdown, the film gives us a glimpse into NYC’s diverse LGBTQ+ community. The film starts off with our protagonist Jordan (played by Jack James Busa) begging on the streets, asking for money to find something to eat. Of course, in real New York City fashion, everyone ignores him. Except for one person. None other than a well-known drag queen Charmaine (played by Her Royal Highness Princess Diandra) comes to Jordan’s rescue, introduces him to those who will become his new family and friends – Jasmin (played by Shia Ho) Vera (Brandon Olson) and Sabrina (Gazelle Paulo).
Things start to get interesting when Jordan gets a gig at a nightclub as the MC Mister Sister, a goth nun who insults people. It’s instantly a hit and Jordan goes from a lost nobody to a confident local celebrity. Jordan is getting into the rhythm of his new job, new life, and new love interest. He starts catching feelings for Marie (played by Debra Haden), the tap-dancing waitress who is also a single mother. What surprises some is that Jordan who chooses to dress in women’s clothing and is the drag queen Mister Sister herself (respectfully) is interested in Marie. But, like one of the many great lines said in this film – “Who said you have to be gay to be a drag queen?”
Like always, what goes up must come down. When Jordan hits rock bottom is when you as the audience realize that this guy has not yet healed from his past. Jordan continues to learn throughout the film that even though with this new life and new love, he must first find the courage to face his demons before he can truly become the person he can love. It took him almost losing Marie and his life again but with the love and support of his friends, he’s able to bounce back again.
The film doesn’t hold back showing the reality of the treatment of people within the LGBTQ+ community. Although, there are people who show great appreciation and respect, there are also people who try to take advantage, use, and harass people within the community.
The number of people who came through the nightclub to ask Jordan if he wanted to go back to their place “to have a little more fun” put things into perspective for me while watching the film. In these situations, are people within the LGBTQ+ community being protected especially in their place of work? Is there someone looking out for them?
It’s important to stick together and lend a hand to those who need it. Family is the strongest together and that is what is shown throughout the film. If Jordan wasn’t there to protect Jasmin from the “Gay Basher” who would’ve? If Charmaine didn’t empathize with Jordan when he was begging on the streets, who would’ve?
This film is about uplifting people and making people feel safe. Only when Jordan protects someone he cares about does he feel uplifted, himself — uplifted to never give up on himself and on life.
Tasha Joachim
Tasha Joachim is a Haitian-American actress, writer, and content creator from Brooklyn, NY. She has mostly worked in dramatic plays, short films, and TV/media content. Tasha produces, co-hosts and writes for the Youtube show and podcast MajahPoint.
About Winter Film Awards
New York City’s 10th Annual Winter Film Awards International Film Festival runs September 23-October 2 2021. Check out a jam-packed lineup of 91 fantastic films in all genres from 28 countries, including shorts, features, Animation, Drama, Comedy, Thriller, Horror, Documentary and Music Video. Hollywood might ignore women and people of color, but Winter Film Awards celebrates everyone!
Winter Film Awards is an all volunteer, minority- and women-owned registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2011 in New York City by a group of filmmakers and enthusiasts. The program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the NY State Council on the Arts.
