Julia Scotti: Funny That Way

“A second act that feels right” New York Times “Must see” Indiewire

Short Synopsis/

Decades ago, Julia Scotti performed as Rick Scotti, appearing with Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock; now, the trans comedian returns as “the crazy old lady of comedy” in this tender, funny and triumphant comeback story.”

With breathtaking emotional honesty, this tender, funny, and powerful portrait of transgender comedian Julia Scotti explores the unrelenting courage and humor it takes to be Julia. In the comedy boom of the1980’s Rick Scotti was a busy guy—appearing in clubs across the country, on bills with Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld, when he came to the powerful realization that nothing felt right. At a time when the words gender dysphoria and gender reassignment surgery were rarely heard, Rick’s true awakening at age forty-seven led to a new identity as Julia Scotti. And then everyone turned away—former wives, friends, family, comedy world buddies, and most painfully Julia was shut out from any contact with her children. She reinvented herself, spent a decade teaching, and then several years ago, stepped back on stage and began her journey back to the world she loves, and her children reached out to her after 15 years of silence. Shot over a period of five years, the film tracks Julia’s triumphant comeback and the complex process of reuniting with her children, as comedy becomes the shared language of identity, healing, and joy.

Credits/

Director/ Producer: Susan Sandler

Stars: Julia Scotti

“Our next Betty White” Deadline

Genre/

Documentary

Duration/

73 mins

Language/

English

Release Date/

31st Mar 2023

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