Queer Joy

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Queer Joy ⋆｡°✩

Lancaster, Pennsylvania: known for its rolling hills, fluffy clouds, and deeply conservative values. But there's more than what's on the tourist guides—if you know where to look.

Meet Brady Pappas, a celebrated artist documenting the local drag and queer scenes, while navigating their own transformation - embracing their identity and stepping into the world of drag. Amish Country Queer follows Brady’s journey as they come out to their family in a politically charged environment, offering a raw, powerful look at the resilience of a community that refuses to be erased, and a celebration of queer joy where you’d least expect it.

Want to stay in the know? Follow us on Instagram @AmishCountryQueer

IN DEVELOPMENT

Amish Country Queer is in the works to become a feature-length documentary.

Because visibility matters, and too often, rural queer communities are left out of the narrative. Because queer and trans people are being pushed further into the margins, especially in rural America. Because stories like Amish Country Queer can be lifelines. Because the kids growing up in Lancaster, and small towns everywhere, need to know they’re not alone.

We’ve already captured so many beautiful, powerful moments. But now we need your help to finish the film and bring it to communities that need it most. This isn’t just a documentary. It’s a declaration: We are here. We are thriving. And we’re not going anywhere.

Want to support this story? You can donate here!

WHERE WE ARE & WHERE WE’RE HEADED

We’re in the thick of production for Amish Country Queer, and the footage we’ve captured so far is nothing short of magic. Lancaster’s drag and queer scenes are bursting with color, resilience, and joy—now we just need your help to finish the story. This campaign will fund the final phase of production, and help us do justice to the powerful lives and voices we’re documenting. We aim to complete the film by Summer of 2026. Once finished, we’ll submit to festivals and organize grassroots screenings, starting right here in Lancaster.

Key Crew:

Colleen C Brady (Director) is recognized for their award-winning documentary filmmaking and evocative photography, delving into themes of transformation and community identity. Their first feature documentary, Firebird: Built to Burn (2023), has been awarded Best Director from Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, Atlanta Docufest and Northeast Pennsylvania Film Festival, and is now on Prime Video and AppleTV. Outside of documentaries, Brady is a commercial editor and adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Mariam Bakashvili (Producer) is a producer and filmmaker known for her award-winning short film Woman With Violin, which explores immigrant and women’s issues. She moved to the U.S. in 2010 and studied filmmaking at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mariam is passionate about storytelling that highlights LGBTQ+ and immigrant experiences. Outside of filmmaking, she enjoys tennis and spending time with her cat, Honey.

Nicholas Richter (Director of Photography) is an award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer whose work has been featured in festivals like TriBeCa and HBO’s Catalyst. His projects have streamed on Netflix, ESPN, and PBS. With a background in documentary filmmaking and a cinematic style, Nicholas is dedicated to telling meaningful stories and capturing stunning imagery.