Be Your Own Dentist

SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2022 REVIEW! A new life Off-World beckons in Be Your Own Dentist, director Jonathan Sims’ psychoactive 3D immersive short centered on worldwide drag sensation Katya Zamolodchikova. Inside an ornate temple from another dimension, Katya (Zamolodchikova), in ceremonial attire, leads her cloaked followers in a guided meditation. Everyone relaxes in their alien finery as she speaks oh so smoothly along the inward journey.

Focusing on her voice, the throng of people cast their minds far away to peaceful planes. But we notice that there are pairs of pliers set to the side. As things get more cosmic and visionary, the title, in all its bloody splendor, comes into play.

Be Your Own Dentist is a dynamite 7-minute performance art piece that hits all of Farley Flavors’ Five Fs. F is for futuristic. The virtual reality format creates a futuristic viewing experience. In the upper corner of the screen are controls to move the camera around the 360-degree environment. Trust me, this is a movie you will want to see what is going on behind you. Sims outdid himself by placing amazing things in every part of the film, no matter where you look.

“…leads her cloaked followers in a guided meditation.”

F is for fierce. Zamolodchikova, who wrote the film, crafts a fierce look for the people on her planet, bringing us drag from beyond. The costumes are breathtakingly well crafted alien temple wear. Picture Holy Mountain meets The Cell. Zamolodchikova brings it in ways that haven’t been brought before.

F is for funny. The whole gag of spoofing a guided meditation is funny as s**t. The actor takes a risk putting the final reveal in the title of Be Your Own Dentist, but it pays off. Knowing what the pliers are for will not reduce how deranged the meditation gets. Take your time, especially since shock will begin to set in.

F is for fantastic. The otherworldly vistas on display throughout are fantastic. The stills one can create with well-timed pauses could create artwork for a hundred awesome album covers. It’s like a lifetime membership to the science fiction book club… in drag!

F is for fabulous. Be Your Own Dentist is a fabulous addition to drag cinema, reinforcing its fabulous foundations. The planet Sims and Zamolodchikova made for us to enjoy awaits. If you love drag, science fiction, humor, or really weird stuff, you will love this interaction with their bizarre imagination.

Be Your Own Dentist screened at the 2021 Slamdance Film Festival.