Overview

Written and directed by Fia Perera, Mermaid follows Cassie, a ten-year-old longing to live authentically, and Pepper, a grieving drag queen who becomes an unexpected source of understanding and protection. Their friendship develops into a story about identity, imagination, chosen family, and belonging.

Filmed in Cape Cod and Los Angeles, the feature stars Devyn McDowell, Arturo Luíz Soria, Nat Faxon, Alex Moffat, Mary Birdsong, Tom Kiesche, and Missi Pyle. As Costume Designer, Matthew Solomon led the costume department in developing character-driven wardrobes for the film’s family, school, and drag-community settings.

Production Details

Year: 2026

Format: Narrative Feature Film

Production Companies: Perera Pictures and Safe Space Pictures

Writer and Director: Fia Perera

Producers: Ryan Lacen, Jenica Bergere, Hilliard Guess, Tyler Musikanth, Toni Long, and Mary Vernieu

Director of Photography: Gareth Taylor

Editor: Fabienne Bouville

Casting Director: Findley Davidson

Production Designers: A.J. Mattioli and Maureen Mahon, Second Unit

Costume Designer: Matthew Solomon

Assistant Costume Designers: Emily Marshburn and Cleo Blackketter

Key Costumer: Sam Kumiko Sheridan

Hair and Makeup Department Head: Samson Smith

World Premiere: March 14, 2026 at the Cinequest Film Festival