Byrne doc follows Tamale’s bid for Leather Queen

C. Byrne, “Leather Queen” filmmaker

When Tamale, an interdisciplinary artist and comedian, invited filmmakers C. Bryne and Nadia Oussenko to document her bid for the crown in the 25th annual International Ms. Leather fetish pageant, “I jumped at the opportunity,” Byrne says.

“Tamale is a fascinating and hilarious person with many layers and levels and we’re excited to explore those on screen.” 

For their documentary, “Leather Queen,” the filmmakers will show Tamale in the process of preparing for the competition, as well as her experience at IMsL.  

“But but more importantly it’s going to examine her life and her experiences around BDSM,” says Byrne “Our goal is to demystify the leather and BDSM communities by focusing on the emotional experience, trust, and honesty.”  

Byrne is a drag performer herself as Todd HotBod.  She performed with Tamale in the Windy City Blenders’ 2005 and 2009 European burlesque tours and the drag performance workshop Lola Project.

Assistant director Nadia Oussenko

Byrne and Oussenko have begun covering Tamale’s prep for the contest here in Chicago.  Their San Francisco shoot will include interviews with IMsL attendees, producers, and past winners.  After returning to Chicago, they’ll continue to explore Tamale’s involvement in the leather scene.

They aim Leather Queen for straight as well as LGBTQ festivals.  “Our mission is to educate and invite unfamiliar audience members to seek an understanding of the queer leather community,” Byrne says.

Byrne has been a videographer and editor for a Chicago ad agency for the past five years and a regular freelance videographer for aerial performance troupe Aloft Loft, among other artists.  

“I’d actually prefer not to say where I work exactly,” Byrne says.  “The nature of this documentary might make for awkward moments with my other clients.”  

Assistant director Nadia Oussenko is a choreographer, photographer and dance filmmaker whose past work includes My Name is a Blackbird and On Falling…

They raised seed money on Kickstarter to fund their trip to San Francisco.

Click here See kickstarter.com