NEW YORK, NY — December 16, 2019 – Following a much-buzzed about DragonCon sneak peek, SYFY Wire has acquired the 7-episode short-form series LOOKING FOR LEIA from independent filmmaker Annalise Ophelian and her production company, Floating Ophelia Productions. Set for a multiplatform debut Saturday, December 21, all seven episodes will be available on SYFY.com, VOD, YouTube and NBCU’s OneApp, with two episodes airing back-to-back on the SYFY linear television network at 11/10c. Promo: https://youtu.be/KGHv-ubNNiM
In 10-15 minute episodes, LOOKING FOR LEIA tells the stories of women as well as non-binary fans who have been forever changed by the “Star Wars” franchise, including:
- “How We Carrie On” — From her on-screen creation of one of film’s most iconic heroines to her off-screen work as an author and mental health advocate, Carrie Fisher made an indelible impact on generations of fans. Oaxaca-based Bárbara Lazcano talks about the significance of Fisher and shares how the Princess-turned-General character inspired her career and lifelong family memories. [This episode will also air on the SYFY network on 12/21]
- “What We Build” — “Star Wars” fans are among some of the most passionate builders and makers. Meet Naila Browne, Psy Delacy, and Christina Cato — three women with no previous building experience who immersed themselves in 3D printing and coding to build fully functional droids. [This episode will also air on the SYFY network on 12/21]
- “Where We See Ourselves” — What happens when under-represented fans see themselves on screen? Tansura Thomas talks about being a non-binary cosplayer; SYFY Wire contributing editors Preeti Chhibber and Swapna Krishna discuss the significance of representation in media; and documentary photographer Rhynna Santos shares her portrait projects centered on plus size fans and fans of color.
- “More Than the Basement” — Authors Cecil Castellucci, Preeti Chhibber, Bonnie Burton and Tracy Deonn share their experiences of having their fandom questioned and subjected to testing, and how their love of “Star Wars” goes beyond the screen and into their daily lives through fashion, art, jewelry, and crafts.
- “It’s a Whole Galaxy” — Hugo Award winning author Charlie Jane Anders, SYFY Wire contributing editors Preeti Chhibber and Swapna Krishna, Elena Rose Vera, Meg Humphries and more share their stories about how the beloved franchise shaped them.
- “The Stories We Tell” — Before Twitter and Tumblr, early fandom was written and recorded in fanzines. Writer, artist and publisher Maggie Nowakowska takes us on a tour of her extensive print fanzine collection, and describes how fandom helped shape 40 years of community.
- “What We Preserve” — In 2013, “Star Wars: A New Hope” became the first major motion picture to be translated into Diné, as a Navajo language preservation effort. Voice actors Clarissa Yazzie (Princess Leia) and Geri Hongeva (C3PO) join translator Jennifer Wheeler to describe the process and impact of the project.
To coincide with LOOKING FOR LEIA, SYFY WIRE’s Fangrrls will explore female “Star Wars” fandom including interviews with Ophelian, personal essays from documentary participants, a look back at the women in the franchise, an exploration of the legacy of Princess Leia and more.
About SYFY:
SYFY is a global, multiplatform media brand that gives science fiction fans of all kinds a universe to call home. Celebrating the genre in all its forms, SYFY super-serves passionate fans with original science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and superhero programming, live event coverage and imaginative digital and social content. The brand is powered by SYFY WIRE (www.syfy.com), the premier portal for breaking genre news, insight and commentary. SYFY is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
About SYFY WIRE:
SYFY WIRE is the premier editorial brand for fans of sci-fi, fantasy and horror. Featuring up-to-the-minute news and passionate discussion and analysis, SYFY WIRE covers the latest in genre-focused movies, TV, books, comics, video games and more. Find SYFY WIRE online at www.syfy.com, on air on the SYFY network, and at a ‘con near you!
