'Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero' Set to Premiere at Lansing's Capital City Film Fest
Michigan filmmaker transforms drag artistry into superhero fantasy
"Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero," the world's first animated feature centered on a drag queen superhero, will make its Michigan premiere April 9 at the Capital City Film Festival in Lansing.
Directed by Michigan native Anthony Hand, this groundbreaking film blends drag culture, superhero fantasy and high-energy music to create a vibrant celebration of queer identity and self-empowerment at a time when LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media remains limited.
The film follows Simon, a shy barista who discovers a magical wig that transforms him into the fierce and fabulous superhero Maxxie LaWow. As his glamorous alter ego, Simon must embrace his newfound power and confidence to face off against the villainous Dyna Bolical, a ruthless drag queen scientist with a sinister plan involving drag queen tears as a bizarre beauty secret.
Hand, who grew up in rural southeast Michigan, never envisioned a career in Hollywood. "I grew up on a small farm in Onsted, Michigan, population 900," Hand tells Pride Source. "I didn't have many close friends and I was often bullied by the other boys at school, which made my childhood feel pretty lonely. Comic books were my favorite escape."
Hand notes that creative careers seemed out of reach in his rural upbringing. "Most people I knew worked in factories, or were teachers or nurses — creative careers in entertainment were far from my reality. But despite this, the desire to tell stories and make art was always present. It just took me a long time to realize that my path would lead me here."
"I got my start in film in 2018, when I realized I was tired of seeing comic book movies about straight superheroes and almost none representing LGBTQ+ heroes," Hand adds. "Our stories just weren't being told, and I wanted to change that."
In a news release, Hand said he wanted to create a film that he wished he could've watched with his mom as a kid — "something fun, affirming and full of magic."
Inspired by the personal journeys of drag performers on "RuPaul's Drag Race," Hand merged drag artistry with animation to create what he describes as "a love letter to the queer community." The film represents a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ animation, as it centers a drag performer as the hero rather than as comic relief.
"As a longtime fan of 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' I found myself drawn to the deeply personal stories the queens would share while getting into drag — stories of struggle, resilience, and triumph," he says. "What really struck me was how so many of them described drag as a kind of armor, transforming them from shy, insecure individuals into bold, unstoppable forces the moment they stepped into their wigs, pads and heels. That transformation — from ordinary to extraordinary — felt like the perfect metaphor for a superpower."
Translating drag's larger-than-life artistry into animation presented unique creative challenges. Hand partnered with Chubby Beagle Productions, an animation studio with a deep appreciation for drag culture and enlisted Johnny Burgess as character designer. San Francisco-based scriptwriter and drag performer Michael Phillis, whose stage name is "Patty from HR," brought firsthand knowledge to ensure the story remained authentic.
"Each frame was crafted to capture the essence of drag," Hand explains. "From the exaggerated lip-sync performances to the meticulous movement of wigs and gowns, authenticity was key."
The film features four original pop tracks performed by Grammy-nominated vocalist Angie Fisher, including the self-empowerment anthem "Bye Girl Bye" and the high-energy opening number "Shero." Composers Dave Volpe and Electropoint, also known as Roman Molino Dunn, crafted a soundtrack inspired by pop icons like Kylie Minogue, blending campy fun with heartfelt emotion.
A highlight of the film is a gravity-defying aerial lip-sync battle between Maxxie and Dyna Bolical. The sequence was created with help from a choreographer who has staged performances for drag royalty including Alaska Thunderfuck, Bob the Drag Queen and Bianca Del Rio. The result is what Hand calls "a lip-sync showdown that's pure, campy magic," complete with clack fans, makeup powder attacks and high-flying choreography.
"Maxxie LaWow" has already earned critical acclaim on the festival circuit, winning Best Animation at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival, the Impact Award at the Washington, D.C., Independent Film Forum, and both the Director's Choice and Festival Favorite Awards at Cinema Diverse. Breaking Glass Pictures, a leading distributor known for championing independent LGBTQ+ films, recently acquired the film for North American distribution.
The Michigan premiere comes as LGBTQ+ voices face increasing political pressure nationwide, offering audiences a colorful counterpoint to anti-drag legislation introduced in several states. Hand hopes the film's message of self-acceptance and the strength of chosen family will resonate with viewers of all backgrounds. "I'm excited to be bringing my own original superhero to my home state in a kind of full-circle homecoming," he shares. "I look forward to sharing Maxxie's story and celebrating the magic of drag with family, friends and drag fans of all ages and persuasion."
"Maxxie LaWow is a joyful reminder of queer resilience and creativity," Hand adds. "In a time when LGBTQ+ voices are being challenged, we need stories that celebrate our resilience, our joy and our magic. Maxxie isn't just a hero — she's a reminder that we all have the power to shine."
For more information about the Capital City Film Festival and to purchase tickets for the April 9 screening, visit capitalcityfilmfest.com.
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