Editor

When a straight guy takes a look at the other side, he unearths an eye-opening film about the lives and experiences of drag queens, onstage and off.

But these are not just any drag queens; in Robbie Hopcraft's new documentary "Audience with the Queens," he features a diverse group who perform at the 801 Club in sunny Key West, Florida.

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In his first ever foray into professional filmmaking, Hopcraft, who served as both producer and.0 director will have a red carpet New York City premiere on Monday March 23 at City Cinemas Village East cinema at p.m. (181 2nd Ave and 12 street).

In a recent interview Hopcraft stated, "I am excited to be in New York for the premiere and following the success of my Key West screening, I am eager to see the reaction of New Yorkers. This is my first shot at entering a film festival, and I'm as thrilled to have it accepted as I am nervous about the reviews," said Hopcraft, a Key West local of more than 15 years.

Hopcraft has always been a movie-goer and amateur videographer, but in 2006 he developed his film business, Key West Unplugged, and got serious about film-making. Serving in every role from producer to director, from cinematographer to gopher, he has produced "Audience with the Queens," as well as other local documentaries.

My objective is to turn "Audience with the Queens" into a TV series - we've certainly got the characters here and all the drama necessary," explained Hopcraft.

Tickets are $12 in advance (www.nyfilmvideo.com) and $15 at the door. For all interview requests and a complimentary invitation to the red carpet screening, please contact Briege McGarrity at 917 - 783 4042 or email her at BMcGarrityPR@aol.com. For further information about Robbie Hopcraft and "Audience With The Queens," please call 305-304-1609 or visit http://www.keywestdragqueens.com.