by Ari Roth
Skanks is a brand new documentary, directed by David McMahon, and screening in Philadelphia for the first time in Clark Park. The film is McMahon’s second overall, and first as the only director on a project. On August 14th, you will get a chance to watch Skanks for free as the final, culminating screening in Clark Park’s summer film series as part of Awesome Fest.
The film centers around an unlikely collection of Alabamans who come together to put on a community theatre production of “Skanks in a One Horse Town”, a musical written by one of their own members, about a group of time-traveling drag queens. Skanks follows each individual member as they live and work in their town of Birmingham, and tracks the development and progression of the musical, culminating in its public performance.
More significantly, however, the film deals with the community and connection that develops between the actors, and the web of love and support that they build around each other. Drawing together a diverse cast, some outcast and isolated, some young and aspirational, the film treats each with care and tender humanity, painting a warm and engaging portrait of the team behind the musical.
Skanks will screen this Thursday, August 14th, in Clark Park, located at 4398 Chester Ave. The film will roll starting at 9 PM, and the screening is outdoors, so bring a blanket and snacks along with you. Once again, the screening is absolutely free, so come spend a night under the stars watching a brand new movie for the very first time.
