Swan Song

Returning to CIFF after more than two decades, queer cinema pioneer Todd Stephens completes his “Ohio Trilogy” with the bittersweet SWAN SONG. While his previous films—EDGE OF SEVENTEEN and GYPSY 83—followed young outcasts coming into adulthood, this final installment is a different kind of coming-of-age story. The film follows Pat Pitsenbarger, a formerly flamboyant hairdresser living in Sandusky, OH. Once the finest stylist for all the socialites in town, he’s now stuck in a drab nursing home. Having lost his partner, house, and the community he once held dear, Pat has all but given up. But then the will of his recently deceased ex-best friend requests his services for her final makeover. Despite clinging to old grudges, Pat flees the nursing home and begins a trek across town that will force him to confront the life he’s left behind. Featuring the aptly cast Udo Kier in a funny, fabulous, and touching performance, SWAN SONG is a loving homage to all the inspiring out, proud queens of decades past. — D.O.