Private Project

Lala Gothicfish

Set against the backdrop of a city undergoing rapid gentrification, a Toronto teenager struggles to save a youth rave scene plagued by substance use and over-policing. 'Lala Gothicfish' follows the ambitions of local legend Estella Maise (AKA Lala Gothicfish), the dog groomer by day and rave organizer by night, as she tries to change the future of a historically demonized music scene and create a safer space for BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ youth. Her approach varies starkly from the simultaneous ongoing illegal raves, where the potential for trauma and predatory behaviour reaches no ceiling. The film features music entirely made by Toronto underground artists, and includes celebrity appearances from Chippy Nonstop and Slash Need.

  • Angelina Nayyar
    Director
  • Angelina Nayyar
    Producer
  • Estella Maise
    Key Cast
    "Lala Gothicfish"
  • Chippy Nonstop
    Key Cast
  • Slash Need
    Key Cast
  • Rebecca Anne Pymsicle
    Key Cast
  • Angelina Nayyar
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    coming of age, documentary
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 6 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 23, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    200 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Angelina Nayyar
  • Inside Out Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    June 1, 2023
    Canadian Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Student World Impact Film Festival
    New York City
    United States
    June 19, 2023
    Semi-Finalist
  • Yale Student Film Festival
    New Haven
    United States
    April 23, 2023
    North American Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Angelina Nayyar

Angelina Nayyar is a filmmaker and DJ based in Toronto, currently pursuing a degree in film studies. Her work focuses on deconstructing the status quo and documenting eclectic exceptionalism.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Lala Gothicfish is my directorial debut following the legend of the underground: Estella Maise, a subject that I and many other outcast youths in Toronto love deeply. To be fortunate enough to tell a portion of her story and create a memento that will undoubtedly contribute to the attitudes of the public as well as the historical archive regarding Toronto's DIY rave scene is a cherished honour.