Hunky Jesus, Jennifer Kroot’s documentary on the San Francisco Easter Sunday tradition, will make its World Premiere as the Opening Night film of the 40th edition of BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival.
Hunky Jesus is a feature-length documentary that tells the story of the wildly popular, annual Easter Sunday tradition in San Francisco known as Hunky Jesus. Hosted by the legendary drag and activist group the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the event is a defiant expression of community, performance, and radical joy in the face of exclusion and repression. Hosted by SPI icon Sister Roma and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Honey Mahogany, Hunky Jesus showcases a series of burlesque and drag performances as well as themed contests that are a mix of satire, celebration, and social commentary, promoting LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusivity, and religious parody.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have been a San Francisco institution for more than four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the community through their presence and performance activism. By promoting tolerance and advocating for the marginalized, they challenge societal norms with their distinctive style: donning non-traditional nun’s habits and painting their faces with elaborate, mask-like makeup. Through their unique flair and individuality, they subvert expectations and push the boundaries of gender and sexuality.
Beyond their striking aesthetic, the Sisters have been at the forefront of social justice activism, confronting oppressive systems and ideologies that perpetuate discrimination, particularly within religious and conservative circles. Over the years, the Sisters have ordained hundreds of people as saints who have served the greater community, including Harvey Milk, Derek Jarman, George Takei and Rosie O’Donnell. By questioning societal norms and critiquing entrenched power structures, they have sparked dialogue and prompted a critical reexamination of long-held beliefs and prejudices.
Jennifer Kroot, the Hunky Jesus director said, “I’m thrilled to premiere Hunky Jesus as the opening night film of the 40th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival! I can’t wait to introduce Londoners to San Francisco’s legendary Easter Sunday tradition, hosted by the iconic Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. What a delight to export a little irreverence (and A Lot of Joy) from the U.S., tariff free!”
The 40th edition of BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival takes place 18th – 29th March, 2026.
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