Set in the 1970’s, Lydia’s days are mostly the same. She spends her afternoons at the office workin’ for the man.

But this afternoon’s smoke break takes a turn for the mysterious when this secretary and her shoe-shining companion enter the alternative world of Esmerelda’s Castle, a dingy dive for queens that drag and dream.

Creative team

Writers/directors: Rachel Cairns, Sarah Hempinstall
Producers: Rachel Cairns, Sarah Hempinstall, Anthony J. Baldwin

Filmmaker’s statement

We all have secrets and things we keep private or selectively share: desires of the heart, alternative identities. This is a story about the unique human ability to lie and dream.

About Rachel Cairns and Sarah Hempinstall

Rachel Cairns and Sarah Hempinstall are the dream team behind Life’s A Trip Productions. They are divas on a dime and the creators of the web series Budz about two gal pals who started from the bottom … and will most likely stay there.

Esmerelda’s Castle is their first short film, made in partnership with the Toronto YEAA Shorts Residency.