Dungeons & Drag Queens: Quest for the Golden Wig of Enlightenment

Winner of the Phred Love Best Short Narrative Award (2019). Meet Rees and her faithful companions as they journey to reclaim the kingdom’s family jewels. Featuring the talents of Honolulu’s premier drag queens and trans actors, this short film begins the first installment of the Candi Lands trilogy…

  • Alexandra Livingston
    Director
    The Sweet Spot with Candi Shell
  • Alexandra Livingston
    Writer
    The Sweet Spot with Candi Shell
  • Alexandra Livingston
    Producer
    The Sweet Spot with Candi Shell; On April 8th, I lost My Mind; Ring Game; Commercial Block 84, Before Prom
  • Jacob Sbragia
    Producer
    The Sweet Spot with Candi Shell; On April 8th, I lost My Mind; Ring Game; Commercial Block 84, Before Prom
  • Dan Paul Roberts
    Producer
    The Sweet Spot with Candi Shell
  • Candi Shell
    Key Cast
    "Empress Labi'Ya"
    Ugly Betty, Joan Rivers, The Sweet Spot with Candi Shell
  • Anna Mei
    Key Cast
    "Rees"
  • Victoria Li
    Key Cast
    "Sun"
  • Scheherazade "Shezzy" Springs
    Key Cast
    "Fi"
  • Angel DeVida
    Key Cast
    "Divine"
  • CaraMel Flava
    Key Cast
    "Queen Sira'Marel"
  • Gdolce
    Key Cast
    "Dora"
  • Jason Victorino
    Key Cast
    "Vlad"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Fantasy, comedy, lgbtq+
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes 42 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 15, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    35,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival
    Honolulu
    United States
    August 8, 2019
    Hawaii Premiere
    Phred Love Award and Official Selection
  • Made in Hawaii Film Festival
    Honolulu
    United States
    July 15, 2020
Director Biography - Alexandra Livingston

Former professor turned award-winning filmmaker and producer, Alexandra Livingston is new to the filmmaking industry. He co-founded the Sa'Ke Film Group with friend and business and creative partner, Jacob Sbragia, which houses their three production companies, Shediculous Productions, Mãnana Productions, and Focused Intensity Productions. As a result of their efforts to create a more cooperative and supportive filmmaking community in Honolulu, Alexandra and Jacob founded the Sa'Ke Film Collective to provide support and resources (crew, equipment, production) for local filmmakers. He co-created the sketch comedy TV series The Sweet Spot with Candi Shell, which highlights local LGBT talent, activism, and advocacy and airs locally on Olelo Community Media. The Sweet Spot is in pre-production for its second season. Alexandra is also the Marketing Director for Hula's Bar & Lei Stand located in Waikiki.

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Director Statement

My intention behind this project is to introduce an immensely talented community of actors to the world. Often ignored and uncast, this film highlights the vast potential drag and trans actors have and what we can bring to the art of filmmaking.

This project was born after meeting and working with the drag and trans communities in Honolulu, Hawaii. A mix of ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, these talented individuals turned to drag culture to express ourselves.

For me, a former professor, working with and becoming a part of the Hawaiian filmmaking community has been an incredible experience. I’ve never been around so much unhindered, artistic talent.

This film turned into somewhat of a community project as we are also working with a local Dungeons & Dragons group who are cast as the D&D characters themselves (the players) as well as local LARPERs and Cosplayers.

Everyone from the cast to the production crew volunteered to create this film. It is inspiring to work with so many dedicated, talented, generous people. The Quest for the Golden Wig of Enlightenment is the first installment of the Candi Lands’ trilogy.