This filmmaker will teach you how to swallow a sword

In this episode of Q with Tom Power, filmmaker Jodie Wilson discusses her debut feature film, *The Bearded Girl*, a whimsical yet deeply personal coming-of-age story set in a fictional rural circus community. Wilson, who spent years working in visual effects on major Hollywood productions like *CSI Miami* and *Fast and the Furious*, shares how her own experiences growing up queer in rural Alberta—marked by a sense of otherness and a lack of representation—inspired the film. The story follows Cleo, a young girl with a beard who is destined to become the next bearded woman and leader of her matriarchal circus family. Through surreal, imaginative storytelling, Wilson flips societal norms, making the 'freaks' feel relatable while portraying 'normies' as alien. The film blends humor, heart, and subtle social commentary, using the fantastical premise to explore identity, belonging, and self-acceptance. Wilson also reveals how she learned sword swallowing for the film—using a simple camera trick—and emphasizes her commitment to in-camera effects and practical filmmaking, inspired by childhood visits to Universal Studios. The film, set to release May 8th across Canada, is a love letter to outsiders and a celebration of misfits, made with deep personal resonance and a playful, irreverent tone.