Director
Chase Joynt
Executive Producers
Bill Harnisch, Ruth Ann Harnisch, Chase Joynt, Chris Panizzon, Zackary Drucker, Shannon Hunt Scott, David Steinman, Patty Quillin, Bryn Mooser, Matthew Cherchio, Zach Ingrasci, Chris Temple
Co-Executive Producers
Joanna Kim, Sam Curley
Producers
Jenna Kelly, Justin Lacob
Co-Producer
Dani Eddy
Editor
Chris McNabb
Consulting Editor
Co-Editor
Assistant Editor
Cinematographer
Melissa Langer
Additional Cinematography
Music
Sound
Narration
Contact
Justin Lacob, XTR justin@xtr.com
Sarah McBride’s historic run to become the first transgender member of Congress is brought into intimate focus. Throughout her campaign, she navigates the complex terrain between activist and electoral strategist for change, confronting mounting pressure from her constituents. On the night Sarah wins, so too does Donald Trump, underscoring a nation deeply divided and sending Sarah into an increasingly hostile new workplace.
Immediately after her victory, Sarah becomes the target of MAGA Republicans who ban her from using the restrooms in the Capitol, sparking national outrage and drawing attention to the escalating threats to trans people and their rights. She is sworn in with optimism and support from her family.
STATE OF FIRSTS leaves Sarah on the doorstep of her new job, facing high-stakes decisions under the intense pressure of the national spotlight.
Chase Joynt is a non-fiction filmmaker and writer who works at the edges of genre. His documentary feature Framing Agnes was named a Best Movie of the Year by The New Yorker after premiering at Sundance where it won two awards. Chase co-directed No Ordinary Man, which was presented at Cannes Docs-in-Progress before premiering at TIFF, and most recently The Nest which will premiere at Hot Docs 2025.