In a film that blurs the line between performer and impersonator, multi-platinum pop icon Tiffany Darwish is stepping onto the big screen for the very first time — and she’s playing a character who may hit uncomfortably close to home. The dark comedy Dragged Off, directed by Chris Vinan, has been acquired for distribution by IndustryWorks Studios and is now gearing up for release.
The movie centers on Tiffany’s character, Kasey K, a pop star plotting a major comeback. Her plans are thrown into chaos when a bizarre legal mishap threatens to hand over the rights to her name, her music catalog and her entire tour to Lacey — her celebrity drag-queen impersonator, played by Derrick Barry. What starts as a dispute over a comeback quickly descends into a surreal war over fame, identity and the very nature of celebrity.
Vancouver-based IndustryWorks Studios, led by CEO Evan Tylor, will handle distribution for the film. The company has previously developed, produced and financed projects including the Netflix series Van Helsing and has been active in global distribution since 2005.
Also worth a look: Toys for Tots shows how one mother went from recipient to volunteer, proving a toy delivers more than holiday cheer and Freestyle Digital Media drops ‘Purple,’ a drama about a single day that rewires two strangers.
The cast of Dragged Off is as eclectic as its premise. Alongside Tiffany and Barry, the film features Latrice Royale, Taryn Manning (best known for Orange is the New Black), William Hung, and Justin Jedlica — widely recognized as the “Human Ken Doll.”
Special cameo appearances add even more star power: rock-and-roll legend Tommy James, actor and musician Corey Feldman, and Landon Cider, the drag king who won The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, all make appearances.
“We made Dragged Off to be unpredictable, ridiculous and completely unapologetic,” said director Chris Vinan, who also wrote the script. “It brings together people from completely different corners of entertainment for a story about celebrity and identity that just keeps getting more insane.”
The film blends celebrity satire, drag culture and dark comedy into an independent feature that explores the increasingly blurry boundary between a famous person and the people who earn a living impersonating them. For Tiffany, whose 1987 hit “I Think We’re Alone Now” made her a household name, the role marks a significant pivot into acting — hot on the heels of her New York Off-Broadway debut.
Additional cast members include Ryan Leader, Alan Bagh, Suhir, Meggie Tenser, Virginia Shannon, Mitsy Sanderson, Timothy Waldron and Hettie Lynne Hurtes.
For sales, licensing and more information on Dragged Off, contact IndustryWorks Studios. Screeners and interview requests can be directed to Lesley Diana at The Promotion People.
Why it matters: This film represents more than just a novelty crossover — it taps into a growing cultural conversation about identity, intellectual property and the strange economics of celebrity impersonation. By casting real-life pop culture figures as exaggerated versions of themselves, Dragged Off could become a sharp commentary on how fame is owned, performed and sometimes stolen in the digital age.
