Julia Scotti: Funny That Way is a documentary that has been officially selected for the Documentary Competition at the Geena Davis’ Bentonville Film Festival and is also an official selection at Austin’s AGLIFF 2020(All Genders, Lifestyles, and Identities Film Festival). This is the first documentary film by filmmaker Susan Sandler, who was 72 at the time she directed this feature. The focus is on Julia Scotti, who we learn performed decades ago under a different name, Rick Scotti.

The famous comedian had appeared on bills with Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock and is now returning to the stage as a senior trans comedian. She bills herself as “the crazy old lady of comedy” and was a finalist on America’s Got Talent. These two women have found a real resurgence in their later years, which is something that viewers can really enjoy and celebrate. Julia has always used honesty and the idea of fearlessness in her comedy and in 2011 she was named one of the Top Five Transgender Comedians in the Country by Advocate Magazine and was also a quarter-finalist in the 11th season of America’s Got Talent. Julia has gone on to release her first best-selling comedy CD “Hello Boys I’m Back!” and has plans for a second one to release this year.

The documentary itself opens with Julia in an animated representation with voiceover going through her early life. We see footage of Julia before transition and then with the animated element we get to see Julia appear from within the outer appearance she had. Her voiceover is well done and she is so open and willing to explain how she came to this point in her life. We get to see her connection to other comedians and beyond that we are gifted with elements of her humor. Julia is a loving person and she cares so deeply about others. Julia Scotti: Funny That Way is a touching watch and if you want to see something that will make you smile, both out of laughter and through the powerful ability those in the documentary have in their openness with the viewer. Julia Scotti: Funny That Way will be releasing nationally today, just in time for you to watch during Pride Month.

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