Margo Pelletier, a filmmaker from Hudson, New York, died on November 27 from cancer.  She is known for exploring themes of gender, identity and politics in her films.

Margo Pelletier’s latest film Thirsty, which screened at the 2016 Woodstock Film Festival is described as a “A Post-Queer Musical Film” about a talented singer and performer, Scott who grows up to be revered drag queen, Thirsty Burlington, who delights club goers in Provincetown with her spot-on impersonation of Cher.

The official Facebook page for Thirsty acknowledged her passing with a tribute, “We are deeply saddened to report that Margo Pelletier, the brilliant visionary director of Thirsty, has passed away after a long, valiant battle with cancer. In telling Scott Townsend’s story, Margo was telling her own story, as she grew from a misunderstood tomboy to a politically and artistically passionate adult – one who appreciated both the dangers and joys of gender identity. We’re smiling through our tears that Margo was able to see her vision realized. Despite the odds against her, Margo was able to accompany the film from it’s first sneak preview in Provincetown to it’s premieres in New York, London, Woodstock and Orlando. The early reviews of the film coupled with the audience reactions energized Margo and kept her going until she could go no more. Margo will live on, not only in the films she made with her wife and producing partner, Lisa Thomas, but in the memories of all those who knew, loved and admired her. We will miss you Margo. You saw things in a way that was uniquely your own and were without a doubt ahead of your time.”

Margo is survived by her wife Lisa Thomas, and her four siblings Joan Ellen Pelletier, Renee Egan, Daryl Cerone and John Pelltier and her cat Zorro.

Image credit: Margo Pelletier directing on the set of THIRSTY via Facebook