By Mike Mankiewicz
therealbrainlessshow@gmail.com
Celebrate International Drag Day with a Fabulous Film Festival
International Drag Day is July 16 and a perfect opportunity to honor the art of drag and the talented individuals who bring this vibrant culture to life.
Drag Film Festival Anyone?
Here’s a lineup of iconic films that showcase drag in its many forms, from comedy to heartfelt drama. Grab your popcorn, put on your most glamorous outfit (heels optional), be fabulous, and get ready to enjoy these dolled-up classics!
Plus! No festival is complete without some delightful drinks and decked-out snacks to match the movies.
Tootsie (1982)
Movie Pairing: Diva Daiquiri & Fabulous Fruit Platter
Start your festival with a classic! Watch Dustin Hoffman as he transforms into Dorothy Michaels, and enjoy a refreshing Diva Daiquiri paired with a colorful fruit platter that’s as vibrant as Dorothy’s wardrobe.
Diva Daiquiri
– 2 ounces white rum
– 1 ounce lime juice
– 3/4 ounce simple syrup
– Fresh berries for garnish
– Shake the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice.
– Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with fresh berries.
Fabulous Fruit Platter
– An assortment of fresh fruits (berries, pineapple, mango, grapes)
– Serve with Honey or yogurt dip
– Arrange the fruits on a platter like they’re walking the red carpet at the Oscars.
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Movie Pairing: Glitter & Glam Margarita & Glitzy Guacamole
Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in drag? Yes, please! Enjoy their antics with a Glitter & Glam Margarita in hand and some sparkly guacamole. You’ll be giggling as much as you’re munching.
Glitter & Glam Margarita
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce lime juice
– 1 ounce triple sec
– Edible glitter for garnish
– Lime wedge for garnish
Rim the glass with edible glitter. Shake tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice. Strain into the glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Glitzy Guacamole
– 3 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Edible glitter for garnish
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Cascade the glitter over the chips like it’s confetti at a Glam Gala.
The Birdcage (1996)
Movie Pairing: Fierce Sangria & Chic Cheese Board
Join Robin Williams and Nathan Lane for a night at The Birdcage with a pitcher of Fierce Sangria and a Chic Cheese Board. It’s sophisticated, sassy, and utterly satisfying.
Fierce Sangria
– 1 bottle red wine
– 1/2 cup brandy
– 1/4 cup orange liqueur
– 1/4 cup simple syrup
– 1 orange, sliced
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 1 lime, sliced
– 1 cup mixed berries
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Chic Cheese Board
– An assortment of cheeses (brie, cheddar, gouda)
– Crackers
– Fresh figs and grapes
– Nuts and honey
Layout the board like a luxurious jewelry display, every item sparkling with gastronomic allure. Drizzle with honey like you’re finishing a masterpiece painting.
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)
Movie Pairing: Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade & Sparkling Popcorn
Get ready for a road trip with Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo! This dynamic trio pairs perfectly with a Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade and glittery popcorn. It’s as fabulous as their drag personas.
Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup
– Sparkling water
– Fresh mint for garnish
– Blend strawberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup until smooth.
– Pour into a glass with ice and top with sparkling water.
– Garnish with fresh mint.
Sparkling Popcorn
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
– 2 tablespoon butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon edible glitter
Pop the kernels and transfer to a large bowl. Stream the butter like you’re icing a cake then sprinkle the glitter as if adorning the crown jewels.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Movie Pairing: Tropical Mocktail & Glamorous Cupcakes
Robin Williams’ beloved role as Mrs. Doubtfire deserves a sweet celebration. Enjoy a Tropical Mocktail and some Glamorous Cupcakes while laughing and crying through this heartwarming comedy.
Tropical Mocktail
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup coconut water
– Splash of grenadine
– Pineapple slice for garnish
Combine pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut water in a glass with ice Add a splash of grenadine and garnish with a pineapple slice.
Glamorous Cupcakes
– Vanilla or chocolate cupcakes
– Colorful frosting
– Edible glitter
Frost the cupcakes with the precision of a sculptor and dust the glitter as if you’re sprinkling stars across the night sky.
Victor/Victoria (1982)
Movie Pairing: Glamour Spritzer & Fancy Finger Sandwiches
Join Julie Andrews in her gender-bending role with a Glamour Spritzer in one hand and a Fancy Finger Sandwich in the other. This film’s elegance and wit will keep you entertained from start to finish.
Glamour Spritzer
– 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/2 cup sparkling water
– Splash of lime juice
– Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Combine pomegranate juice, sparkling water, and lime juice in a glass with ice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Fancy Finger Sandwiches
– Assorted bread (white, wheat, rye)
– Various fillings (cucumber and cream cheese, ham and cheese, smoked salmon and dill)
– Fresh herbs for garnish
Cut the bread into small squares or triangles. Apply the fillings as if you’re creating a luxurious spa treatment with every ingredient placed to perfection. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Celebrate in Style
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of drag, these films will entertain and inspire you. So, gather your friends, don your most fabulous attire, and enjoy a Drag Film Festival that celebrates diversity, creativity, and the power of being true to oneself. Cheers to a fabulous time!