PRESS RELEASE
Australian-based indie film studio Black Forest Films is bringing queer icons, punk superstars and Troma legends to their latest project, Grand Finale: A New York Odyssey. Currently crowdfunding on IndieGoGo, the film will be shot on location in New York City in November of 2025. The feature film is part of a four-picture distribution deal between Black Forest Films and distributor Black Mandala.
In the vibrant heart of New York City, the clock ticks down on LC, (Love Connie, Legally Blonde, Ru Paul’s Drag Race). Known for her iconic cookie commercial and the unforgettable catchphrase, “One bite just ain’t enough,” LC embraces her final day alive with a fierce sense of boldness and humor. As she traverses the chaotic streets of the city that shaped her, LC prepares for one last, spectacular performance, determined to make her exit a dazzling showcase of audacity.
With time running out and a terminal illness threatening to dim her spark, LC immerses herself in the pulse of the city—buying drugs, hawking her cherished vintage VHS collection, and narrowly evading a creepy stalker whose phone calls haunt her every step. Amidst the chaos, she encounters an old flame that reignites dormant passions and bittersweet memories, forcing LC to confront the scars of her past even as she dances toward her dazzling finale. Will she make it through the day? Or will her plans be snuffed out by obsession?
Joining Love Connie in the film are the legendary Ezra Buzzington, (Ghost World, Brooklyn '45, The Fabelmans), Galen Howard (The Book of Boba Fett), underground film queen Debbie Rochon (Tromeo and Juliet), Peter Stickles (Shortbus), Nora Burns (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist), David Ilku (At Home With Amy Sedaris), Adam Cardone (Punk rock legend from Toilet Boys), viral comedy star Steve Bridges, Vito Trigo (Eating Miss Campbell, Power of Positive Murder), NYC stand-up comic Jonas Barnes and Lloyd Kaufman, the legendary founder of Troma and creator of The Toxic Avenger.
Grand Finale: A New York Odyssey aims to be a celebration of queer culture, drag artistry and horror comedy that aims to push the boundaries in a fresh and fearless way. The current crowdfunding campaign aims to raise $20,000AUD which will go towards payment of cast, crew, costumes, locations, props and transport. Perks available through the campaign include exclusive posters, items signed by the cast and an exclusive VHS version of the film.
“We've been fortunate enough to make films in a lot of different genres and places but none have got me as excited as I am to really lean heavily into the ultra-gory New York Giallo vibes.”
-Addison Heath
“Launching this Indiegogo campaign is our way of inviting others to help bring a bold, uncompromising vision to life. In a time when the political climate threatens to silence voices and censor individuality, we believe in the urgency of telling stories that challenge, provoke, and affirm the right to self-expression.”
-Jasmine Jakupi
About Black Forest Films
Black Forest Films is a multi-award-winning independent film company that has been making movie magic for over a decade. These films include thrilling Japanese tale The Viper’s Hex (2018), crime caper/slasher My Cherry Pie (2021), and the hilarious, gonzo road trip comedy An American Masquerade (2025). Black Forest Films has recently completed queer horror romance Haunted & Devoted (2025) which will be targeting the festival circuit mid-year and is part of the four-film distribution deal with Black Mandala.
Link to campaign: https://igg.me/at/grand-finale/x#/