Susanne Bartsch: On Top

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Expected to attend: Subject Susanne Bartsch, directors Anthony&Alex (Anthony Caronna, Alexander Smith), editor Taryn Gould and producers Michael Beach Nichols and Christopher Walker.

People have flocked to New York City to break free from the oppressive shackles of social norms and find themselves for decades; Susanne Bartsch has dedicated her life to creating a safe haven for just those people. The mother of avant-garde self expression, Susanne creates imaginative spaces where people can live out their wildest fantasies night after night. She has also raised millions of dollars for the fight against AIDS and launched the careers of icons like RuPaul, Marc Jacobs, and Amanda Lepore.

Susanne Bartsch: On Top explores Susanne’s life and impact through never-before-seen archival footage, verité cinematography, personal testimonials, and highly stylized imagery. From quiet moments at home to the creation of deliciously debaucherous spectacles, Susanne juggles family life with the overwhelming stress of being a one-woman industry. Trailblazing her own course through motherhood and aging, at a time when most of her peers have slowed down, Susanne moves forward more determined than ever.

• Country USA
• Running Time 86 minutes
• Director Anthony Caronna, Alexander Smith
• Writer Anthony Caronna, Alexander Smith
• Producer Michael Beach Nichols, Christopher K. Walker

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.