The new short film “It’s Okay” provides a window into the lives of two young brothers attending a Drag Story Hour in North Carolina, a state among many that have recently proposed limits on drag performances for minors.
This collaboration between MSNBC and The New Yorker Documentary focuses on Leo, 9, and Matteo, 4, as they interact with local drag artist Shelita Bonet Hoyle in Charlotte, playing games and listening to a story. The 11-minute film is scheduled to premiere on MSNBC Sunday at 9:45 p.m. ET.
David France, acclaimed for his Oscar-nominated film “How to Survive a Plague,” was inspired to create this documentary after observing a protest against a Drag Story Hour in Queens, New York, late in 2022. France was taken aback by the hostility and extremist presence, including Proud Boys and avowed Nazis, who denounced drag queens and the event as promoting harmful agendas. France noted his own surprise at the intensity of the opposition, particularly since he had not previously attended a Drag Story Hour.
As states like Montana and Tennessee imposed restrictions on such events—though Montana’s law was blocked by a federal judge—France felt the need to highlight the children’s experiences in the middle of the controversy. North Carolina, with a high number of targeted drag events, was chosen to showcase these experiences.
The film’s production involved innovative techniques to capture the children’s authentic responses, including specially designed camera mounts and a microphone vest for Leo to record his reactions. France’s team aimed to offer an intimate portrayal of the event, capturing the genuine excitement and curiosity of the children, including Matteo’s enthusiastic reception of Shelita’s performance.
By recording audio from multiple angles, the film seeks to provide a thorough and unfiltered view of the Drag Story Hour experience. France intended to present this intimate portrayal as a counterpoint to the heated debates surrounding gender and drag, offering a nuanced perspective without engaging in direct counterarguments.