Film, panel celebrate diversity, self-expression

Animated short featuring Paul Reubens' final performance screened at Poppy Jasper Film Festival

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:37pm

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An abstract close-up image of shimmering, glittering textures in high-contrast lighting, conceptually representing the celebratory mood and themes of self-expression at the film festival.The Poppy Jasper Film Festival's LGBTQ+ programming shines a spotlight on stories of transformation, diversity, and authentic self-expression.Morgan Hill Today

A short animated film featuring the final performance of Paul Reubens, best known for his role as Pee-wee Herman, screened at the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival in Morgan Hill, California as part of the festival's LGBTQ+ programming. The film, 'The Crown with a Shadow & the Search for Self,' directed by J.B. Ghuman Jr., follows a pink skunk fish destined to become queen of the sea as it undergoes a miraculous transformation. Famed transgender actors Amanda Lepore and Krylon SuperStar also appear in the film, and participated in a Q&A session along with Ghuman after the screening.

Why it matters

The screening and panel discussion aimed to celebrate diversity, self-expression, and the transgender experience in film. The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival has made LGBTQ+ programming a cornerstone of its annual schedule, providing a platform for queer stories and filmmakers.

The details

The film was intended to be shown in 3D, but a technical issue forced organizers to screen a 2D version instead. Ghuman said the project grew out of his work teaching art therapy in South Central Los Angeles, where he noticed many kids had opinions on gender and identity. This led him to explore how identity across the animal kingdom is 'extremely varied and very natural,' which inspired him to create the story of the gender-swapping pink skunk fish. Ghuman and Reubens developed the concept beginning in 2021, and Reubens had been diagnosed with terminal throat cancer by the time the film was completed.

  • The film screened on April 14, 2026 during the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival in Morgan Hill, California.
  • Reubens, who voiced the title character, died in July 2023 after battling cancer.

The players

J.B. Ghuman Jr.

The director of 'The Crown with a Shadow & the Search for Self,' a mixed-media animated short that follows a pink skunk fish destined to become queen of the sea. Ghuman said the project grew out of his work teaching art therapy in South Central Los Angeles.

Paul Reubens

Best known for his role as Pee-wee Herman, Reubens voiced the title character in Ghuman's film. Reubens had been diagnosed with terminal throat cancer by the time the film was completed.

Amanda Lepore

A famed transgender actor who narrates the film 'The Crown with a Shadow & the Search for Self.' Lepore said the story of transformation resonated with her personally.

Krylon SuperStar

A transgender actor who voices the 'Deity of Dopeness' character in the film. SuperStar said she was drawn to the project because of how it portrays the transgender experience.

Mattie Scariot

The director of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, which features LGBTQ+ programming as a cornerstone of its annual schedule.

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What they’re saying

“'I noticed a lot of the kids had opinions on gender and identity, and I went down this rabbit hole on how gender is diverse in the natural world.'”

— J.B. Ghuman Jr., Director

“'It was a really beautiful story about transformation. I identified with it, of course, because I am very much about transformation and freedom.'”

— Amanda Lepore, Actor

“'Anytime the trans experience is displayed in a positive and creative way, I want to be involved, because it is a positive and creative thing to be able to live your authentic truth.'”

— Krylon SuperStar, Actor

“'Trans people have been around forever. The bottom line is just to be respectful to each other. We all bleed, we all have to eat. What you are doesn't matter in the long run, it really doesn't.'”

— Amanda Lepore, Actor

“'We need these stories. We need you to be here. The impact you have just being here and believing in us is changing so much.'”

— Mattie Scariot, Festival Director

What’s next

Ghuman said he is developing a full 4D feature-length version of 'The Crown with a Shadow & the Search for Self,' including wind effects and kinetic 'waterbed'-like effects. He has also adapted the story into a children's book, 'The Crown with the Shadow,' available in print and as an audiobook narrated by Lepore.

The takeaway

This event celebrated the power of diverse, self-expressive storytelling in film, highlighting how LGBTQ+ narratives can reach broader audiences and foster greater understanding. The Poppy Jasper Film Festival's commitment to LGBTQ+ programming demonstrates the importance of providing platforms for marginalized voices in the entertainment industry.