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# Make Me A King wins 2021 For Pears Film Fund
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/make-me-a-king-wins-2021-for-pears-film-fund/
- Published: 2021-04-02T11:30:50.000Z
- Updated: 2021-04-07T15:53:27.000Z
- Description: The short film created by women-led production company Unleyek has won the 2021 For Pears Film Fund.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: Arts, News, Queer Corner, drag, Drag King, LGBTQ, LGBTQ Cinema, London, queer

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pears-short-film-fund-uk-jewish-film-copy-600.jpg)

*Make Me A King* *,* a short film created by women-led **London** production company **[Unleyek](https://www.unleyek.com/?ref=scenemag.co.uk),** has won the 2021 **For Pears Film Fund** from the **UK Jewish Film Festival.** The fund, established in 2006, aims to support films and production companies which engage in Jewish history and culture. Despite only being founded several months ago, Unleyek already has four productions in the pipeline.

The film follows the stories of ostracised Jewish drag king Ari, and their hero, **Pepi Littman**, the first Jewish proto-drag king who performed in the early 20th century, making it the first fiction movie about such a topic. Writer and Unleyek co-founder **Natalie Arle-Toyne** said they are *“passionate”* about the project, and explained the story behind it: *“Pepi Littman pushed boundaries and forged a space for drag kings over a century ago. She is a fascinating and inspiring historical Jewish figure that speaks to the now – and Ari’s story was born through her.”*

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pepi-littman-drag-king-600-400.jpg)

Pepi Littman

Speaking about the film, director **Sofia Olins** said: *“It’s ok for men to dress as women, but less so the other way around and we wondered why that was? We’re so thrilled to have this opportunity to make a beautiful film where we can all consider this together.”*