“Enlightening...This film could not be timelier or more relevant”
— Frank J. Avella,
“More than your average political puff piece...[a]n interesting look at the pressures of representation...State of Firsts [packs] an emotional punch”
— Daniel Fienberg,
“Joynt intelligently remains very objective…It’s refreshing to see a piece of media that forces me to think rather than telling me how to think.”
— Sara Ciplickas,
“State of Firsts illuminates how McBride must always smile to reflect pride not despair…[an] inspiring chronicle.”
— Gary Kramer,
“State of Firsts should be required viewing...Maybe it’ll remind people what it’s like to treat others in the way they wish to be treated”
— Danielle Solzman,
ABOUT THE FILM
LOGLINE
A portrait of Sarah McBride’s historic run to become the first trans Member of Congress, the backlash that ensues, and her fight for change amidst intensifying political extremism.
LONG SYNOPSIS
STATE of FIRSTS is an all-access documentary following Sarah McBride’s historic run to become the first transgender member of Congress. Throughout her campaign, she navigates the complex terrain between activist and electoral strategies for change, confronting mounting pressure from her constituents. On the night that Sarah wins, so too does Trump, underscoring a nation intensely divided and sending Sarah to an increasingly hostile new workplace.
Immediately after her victory, Sarah becomes the target of MAGA Republicans who ban her from using the restrooms in the Capitol, sparking national outrage and drawing attention to the escalating threats on trans people and trans rights. She is sworn in with a swell of optimism and support from her family.
As Sarah embraces her power in office, she must navigate transphobic attacks: on the day of her first floor speech, Sarah is misgendered and chooses not to react, but the second time this happens, she snaps back and goes viral. The film leaves her on the doorstep of her new job, facing high-stakes decisions under the pressure of the national spotlight.
Director Chase Joynt
Producers Jenna M. Kelly, Justin Lacob
Executive Producers Bill Harnisch, Ruth Ann Harnisch, Chris Panizzon, Chase Joynt, Zackary Drucker, Shannon Hunt Scott, David Steinman, Patty Quillin, Bryn Mooser, Matthew Cherchio, Zach Ingrasci, Chris Temple
Co-Executive Producers Samantha Curley, Joanna Kim
Co-Producer Dani Eddy
Editor Chris McNabb
Cinematographer Melissa Langer
Music Becky Gebhardt
Cast Sarah McBride
FESTIVALS
2025: Tribeca (World Premiere), DC/DOX
AVAILABLE TERRITORIES
The World
EXHIBITION FORMATS
DCP, Digital Download
PRESS KIT
Download Press Kit
AVAILABLE PRESS IMAGES (click to preview)
