In State of Firsts, documentary filmmaker Chase Joynt looks at Sarah McBride, the first transgender person ever elected to Congress. The film highlights the issues closest to McBride’s heart and at the center of her campaign while assessing the spotlight shone on her by those with expectations of how she should utilize her public platform in an increasingly polarized and vitriolic society.
Awards Buzz spoke with Joynt about his familiarity with McBride prior to coming on board the project and what it’s been like to get to know her. Watch the video above to hear how he decided what to include and not to include in the exploration of her background and current activities.
State of Firsts makes its world premiere in the Spotlight+ section at the 2025 Tribeca Festival.
