Kan-Kan, Saturday, November 9, 1:00pm

CHUCK CHUCK BABY

In this bold Welsh film packed with flourishes of musical whimsy, Helen is a chicken factory worker still living with her estranged husband and his new family with a much younger woman. Can the return of a childhood friend bring Helen a second chance at life?

Helen works the night shift at the local poultry processing plant. Despite the long, ungodly hours, the job offers a genial camaraderie with her coworkers and a welcome respite from oafish husband Gary. Helen’s humdrum world takes a surprising turn with the prodigal return of her schoolgirl crush, Joanne. Thrilled by emotions she hasn’t felt in years, Helen encourages Joanne’s romantic affections, and it’s not long before she shows up outside the factory, ghetto blaster thumping, sports car revving to whisk Helen away for an impromptu beach holiday.

But life intervenes as their burgeoning romance grows: Helen’s home life threatens to upend their happiness, leading the couple to make difficult emotional decisions. If you’ve been searching for a sapphic romance semi-diegetic jukebox musical — featuring the songs of Janis Ian, Minnie Riperton, and Neil Diamond — then Janis Pugh’s warmhearted, generous, and rousing first feature will strike the perfect chord.


Directed by Janis Pugh | UK | 2023 | 101 Minutes

PRECEDED BY

SAFETY STATE

Director: Jeanette L. Buck | USA | 15 Minutes

In the dystopian near future, a gay and a lesbian couple form an unlikely friendship as they flee the midwest for safety, heading to New England where it is safe and legal to be queer.