“We Are Pat” Screening + “Trans Cinema” Book Q&A

“Pat, the evasive, androgynous SNL character played by Julia Sweeney, was a ubiquitous presence in the pop culture ether of the 1990s. As a kid, filmmaker Ro Haber grappled with a strange obsession with Pat — a character whose popularity hinged on them making others wildly uncomfortable with their refusal to adhere to strict gender lines. Both time and their identity moved forward and yet, even as an adult, Haber’s preoccupation remained. Now, 35 years after the first “It’s Pat” sketch debuted on SNL, Tribeca alum filmmaker Haber and a who’s who of queer and trans comedians and writers (including Sweeney herself) come together to confront the existence of Pat. Through discussions and debate via the lens of 2025 and trans visibility, the group goes on a mission to reframe the character — an unexpected opportunity to not erase Pat but reclaim them in a manner that eliminates ridicule and instills empowerment.” Liza Domnitz, Tribeca Film Festival

This special Ottawa premiere of We Are Pat is presented in collaboration with Carleton University Professor of Film Studies Laura Horak and the Trans Media Lab. In addition to the screening, Horak will discussing and launching her new book on trans cinema, Trans Cinema: Making Communities, Identities, and Worlds