Documentary Film Announced for Late Performer Heklina
CMG Productions will produce a documentary tracing the life and legacy of the iconic San Francisco drag artist.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in LGBTQand
CMG Productions announced on September 23, 2026, that it will produce a documentary film exploring the life and career of Heklina. The performer, who co-founded the legendary San Francisco venues Trannyshack and Oasis, passed away in London in 2023.
Why it matters
The project aims to document the profound impact Heklina had on drag culture and queer performance art. It will also address the circumstances of her death following a formal inquest.
The production follows a community fundraiser held in September 2025 to finance the digitization of an extensive performance archive. The film is set to incorporate these materials along with new interviews from collaborators.
The players
Heklina
Heklina was a prominent drag performer and the co-founder of the iconic San Francisco institutions Trannyshack and Oasis.
CMG Productions
CMG Productions is the film company responsible for developing and producing the upcoming documentary about the late artist.
London Metropolitan Police
The London Metropolitan Police conducted an internal investigation that found two of their officers mishandled the case.
The details
The documentary will feature a comprehensive look at the performer's life, utilizing a digitized archive to preserve her history. The project also addresses the police internal investigation in London that determined two officers mishandled the case after the performer died at age 55.
Timeline
April 3, 2023: Heklina died in London.
September 2025: A community fundraiser supported archive digitization.
September 16, 2026: An inquest officially confirmed the cause of death.
September 23, 2026: CMG Productions announced the documentary project.
Culture Shift
This documentary reflects a growing societal commitment to preserving the transient history of queer nightlife. By archiving performance footage, the project ensures that the legacies of foundational figures are maintained for future generations.
The production relies on the legacy of local venues like Oasis and Trannyshack, highlighting the lasting cultural footprint these spaces hold in the city. Residents can expect the film to serve as a retrospective on the community-driven art scene that defined a generation.
The takeaway
This film serves as a testament to the importance of community-funded efforts in preserving underground cultural history. Readers interested in archiving can support similar local history projects to ensure essential performance legacies are not lost.
Further reading
For more information on the local scene, visit the LGBTQand section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Francisco Chronicle.
