Richmond producer helps crowdfund documentary about trans women

The Vancouver-based all-trans women’s comedy show Trans Girls: Raw and Uncut is crowdfunding to finish a feature documentary about seven trans women. Richmond resident Erin Purghart is the film’s lead producer, overseeing production logistics including crew, insurance, equipment and locations.

The project has received $150,000 from Telefilm Canada, Purghart said. Its campaign had raised more than $14,000 toward a $20,000 goal, and two private donors have pledged to match donations, potentially bringing the total to $40,000. The campaign runs until Aug. 31.

The film follows women working in comedy, game development, public policy and drag performance. Purghart and executive producer Ky Sargeant say they want audiences to see the performers beyond their stage sets, rather than centre the story on trauma.

Sargeant, who has run the comedy show for three years, developed the documentary with director Mily Mumford before bringing Purghart onto the project. Filming is underway, and the team plans to submit the completed film to festivals with a hoped-for late-2027 premiere, including a hometown screening in the Greater Vancouver area.