Why Pageant Docuseries ‘Mrs. America’ is Being Shopped as a Work in Progress at Tribeca: ‘We’re in a New World Order’

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In January, the team working at the Tribeca Film Festival contacted director Penny Lane regarding the progress of her current production titled “Mrs. America.” This project centers around couples competing for a title in an often overlooked beauty pageant, reminiscent of the more famous Miss America competition.

The director responsible for “Hail Satan?” and “Listening to Kenny G” was preparing to complete Episodes 1 and 2 of a four-part series when inquiries began from the festival for Tribeca 2026. To Lane’s astonishment, they were not asked to wait.

They suggested, ‘We should reveal it [this year] as that’s when you can interact with an audience and gather genuine feedback in a unique manner that’s only possible when you present it in front of a crowd of strangers.’ Lane then agreed, deciding to pause the editing process, evaluate what had been done so far, and contemplate how they could effectively conclude Episodes 3 and 4.

At the Tribeca Film Festival on June 8th, “Mrs. America” will be one of the first docuseries to appear even before it’s fully completed. This series title, “Mrs. America,” has attracted interest, making it a noteworthy project for potential buyers. In fact, its success might resemble that of Netflix’s “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.” Anonymous Content, along with Freemantle, are the financial backers behind this production, and they will be responsible for its sales.

In the realm of unscripted sales, we’ve entered a fresh phase, and I find this an intriguing test to observe its functioning – by allowing buyers to participate in the process from the start,” expresses Jessica Grimshaw, an executive producer at Anonymous Content. This approach offers buyers the opportunity to leave their mark on a project, maintain significant input, yet also witness Penny’s initial vision throughout the process.

Initially delving into the peculiar community of Mrs. America aspirants for her maiden project, Lane found herself an unlikely participant in the world of beauty pageants, given her background as a filmmaker from Brooklyn who has explored unconventional subjects such as the sudden rise of the contentious religious group, The Satanic Temple (for “Hail Satan?”), and the unexpected global fan base of Kenny G.

Lane chuckles as she gestures to her casual attire, remarking, “I’m about as far from a pageant enthusiast as one can be.” What intrigued her, however, was the opportunity to challenge her own misconceptions. Beauty pageants, in her mind, were exclusively for young girls. But the diverse age range of contestants, comprising adults who had lived and experienced life, captivated her. Many had families, careers, and complex lives. Their stories held a certain allure, and she found herself eager to learn more about this unique phenomenon.

Lane offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous world of beauty pageants, filled with heels, hair dryers, and false eyelashes, all delivered with a mix of absurdity and whimsy that steers clear of snarkiness. One of the contestants is Nicole La Ha, who leveraged her Mrs. America 2022 title to become an Illinois State Representative in the 82nd District. Despite being hesitant about camera time at first, she chose to trust Lane and seize the opportunity for a leap of faith.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to be part of this project alongside Grimshaw, and what makes it even more exciting is the stellar lineup of executive producers. Names like Mandy Chang from Fremantle, Nick Shumaker, and David Levine from Anonymous Content are no strangers in Tinseltown. And let’s not forget Whitney Sudler-Smith, a familiar face from Bravo’s “Southern Charm,” who played a crucial role in connecting us with some of the participants, hailing from the Sun Belt region. This star-studded team promises an incredible journey!

The contestants come from diverse backgrounds, such as age, ethnicity, and income level, yet they all aspire to reach the finals in Las Vegas and win the top sash for women who are no longer eligible for the Miss America competition. On the surface, it might seem cliché. However, Lane encourages viewers to question their assumptions and biases.

The director expresses, “Standing up there [during a swimsuit competition] and being open to exposure in such a vulnerable manner was something I would have found degrading two or three years ago. However, my feelings towards it have changed. Now, I understand the resilience, the determination, and the courage required for such an act. The delight I find in these feminine glimmers, the polish on the nails, the gowns, and the crowns is truly heartening.

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2025-06-07 18:46