State of Firsts

Ohio Premiere

Showings

April 14, 2026
5:05 pm – 6:38 pm
Playhouse Square Campus
CSU Screening Room at the Idea Center (Floor 6)
April 15, 2026
4:50 pm – 6:23 pm
Cedar Lee Theatre
Cedar Lee 6

About This Film

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Festival Year: 2026
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Run Time: 93 Minutes
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Film Type: Feature
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Animated: No
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Genre: Documentary
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Interests: LGBTQ+ Cinema, Women-Centered Stories
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Countr(ies): USA
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Language: English
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English Subtitles: No
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Captions: Closed

Film Overview

STATE of FIRSTS is an all-access documentary following Sarah McBride’s historic run to become the first transgender member of Congress. Throughout her campaign, she navigates the complex terrain between activist and electoral strategies for change, confronting mounting pressure from her constituents. On the night that Sarah wins, so too does Trump, underscoring a nation intensely divided and sending Sarah to an increasingly hostile new workplace.

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Programmer's Comment:

"The exhilaration, courage and determination of being "the first" is gracefully exhibited in this historic congressional race." – Mikey

Film Contact: JSPR

Cast & Crew

Directed By

Chase Joynt

Produced By

Jenna M. Kelly, Justin Lacob

Cinematographers

Melissa Langer

Editors

Chris McNabb