We Are Pat @Tribeca 2025

Who would have thought that we would see former SNL actress Julia Sweeney walk the red carpet for the film We Are Pat at the Tribeca Film Festival? The actress who also appeared in Pulp Fiction was known for her character “Pat,” which in the 90s was groundbreaking and, at the time, controversial. When the writers of SNL were conjuring up the “It’s Pat” sketch on SNL, they did not know that it would be the obsession of director and Tribeca alumni director Ro Haber. The character of Pat was androgynous and blurred the lines of gender identity during the culture of the 90s. It did not take Ro Huber too long to bring this long-forgotten character to the forefront once again.

Director Ro Haber brings this documentary, “We Are Pat,” to show the audience that it’s okay to have these conversations about identity and community. The community that surrounded Julia Sweeney at the time was almost unbreakable and provided a secure environment. Given the unique and barrier-breaking nature of Pat’s character, Julia Sweeney understood the importance of building support around her. During the 1990s, the patriarchy had a stronghold, and women continued to fight for their rights and identities. What actions were necessary to alter the patriarchal system?

Even Julia Sweeney knew that a change needed to happen, especially on a platform like SNL. So why not portray an androgynous character like Pat to elevate the fight? Instead of causing significant controversy by portraying a character who was viewed as an outcast at the time, it had the opposite effect. Julia Sweeney went on to work on sketches with the likes of John Goodman, Linda Hamilton, and Christopher Walken, as well as former SNL stars Phil Hartman and Chris Farley. Sharon Stone was even featured, Pat, in a sketch based on the infamous crossing-legs scene from Basic Instinct.

These sketches revealed Pat’s humor, outrageousness, and annoyance, yet he garnered immense affection. The audience found Pat engaging as she navigated the challenging terrain of gender identity. It created awkward and uncomfortable moments at first for those who were expecting a relaxing and embracing experience. Pat in the SNL sketches made it enjoyable for the audience and unforgettable. This narrative, which asserts that an androgynous character has a place in comedy and in the world, resonated with millions across the globe. It was a celebration not only for the LGBTQ community but also for those who were struggling with identity. Above all, it made the uncomfortable people comfortable.

Fast forward almost three decades later, Ro Haber brings this documentary of Julia Sweeney’s Pat character to light once again in a pivotal time. Especially The fight to feel comfortable and gain a safe space is starting to darken, especially as Trump strips away the rights of communities from all walks of life. Forums where voices need to be spoken and to be heard are necessary. Before all that hard work is thrown away, everyone needs to stand their ground or, better yet, stand pat, just like “Pat.” FERNTV says that this is a historical piece that should not be missed.

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