Wig

Wig is a 2019 fascinating documentary that takes an in-depth look at the origin, journey, and impact of the annual summer festival, Wigstock. The documentary, directed by Chris Moukarbel, features icons and performers like Joey Arias, Kevin Aviance, and Fenton Bailey, among other notable figures.

The film opens by paying tribute to the 1984 origin of Wigstock, an annual drag festival that was conducted on Labor Day in Manhattan, hosted by the legendary Lady Bunny, founder of Wigstock. The documentary traces the inception and evolution of the festival, how it echoed through the epidemic of AIDS, and its subsequent rediscovery by the new generation.

The documentary successfully captures the spirit of Wigstock, a celebration that uses humor, wit, glamour, and costumes to push back against societal norms and celebrate the often marginalized artist community. The festival played a crucial role in bringing drag culture to the mainstream and made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.

Keeping this essence alive, Wig exhibits the rich history and presents a unique blend of archival footage, interviews, and behind the scenes glimpses into the festival. The film accentuates the transformation of drag and its impact on pop culture, politics, and society at large. It features interviews with pioneers who discuss their experiences, battles, and triumphs, making it a personal and profound journey into the history of this specific strand of drag culture.

Notably starring performance artist Joey Arias, who is a prominent figure in the downtown New York scene, lends the narrative an authentic touch with his insights into the legacy and importance that drag culture represents to the queer community. The film also casts Kevin Aviance, the Club Kid, and dance music artist known for his distinct style of drag, adding energy and dynamism to the storyline.

Also, Fenton Bailey, co-founder of the production company World of Wonder, brings depth and experience to the film with his extensive knowledge of the drag scene and culture, having been a participant and chronicler for years.

The film offers valuable insight into the significance of drag and how it fosters a sense of identity, expression, and community. It showcases the creativity that goes into designing the fabulous attires, the art of performance, and the courage it takes to fight the stigmas.

By presenting the undiluted truth behind the glitter, the film offers a rare insight into the power that drag culture holds in asserting identity and freedom in a world often hostile to difference. It celebrates the drag culture's resiliency and vibrancy that has continuously challenged societal norms.

The film also provides a look into the revival of Wigstock by Neil Patrick Harris and his husband, David Burtka, in 2018, and how the festival's return brought a sense of restored hope, love, and pride in diversity, encouraging a new generation of performers to carry on this tradition.

Without shying away from exploring the ups and downs of the festival and the community it represents, Wig delivers an emotionally charged narrative. It brings out the resilience of the artists and their determination to keep the spirit of drag alive, despite encountering rejection, adversity, and loss.

Within its running time, Wig expertly encapsulates the struggles, victories, and the authentic spirit of the drag community and the influence it exerts on modern pop culture and societal perspectives. Unauthorized characters and their shared stories express the spirit of acceptance, liberation, and transformation, which is central to the ethos of the queer community.

While encouraging the audience to rethink conventional definitions of identity and societal norms, Wig simultaneously leaves a powerful impact and offers a glimpse of hope to an enduring legacy that continues to inspire. It's more than a documentary – it's a celebration of culture, resistance, community, and artistic expression that keeps the legacy of Wigstock alive and pulsating in the heart of contemporary pop culture.

In the end, Wig stands as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of performance, offering both a history lesson and a beacon of hope for the future. It's a must-watch film for anyone interested in the history of drag culture and its influence on modern society.