It Happened: The Judy Tenuta Story

Production Country: USA
Running Time: 13mins
Year: 2025

Follows the whimsical life and career of iconic ‘80s accordion-playing “comedienne” Judy Tenuta. A love letter to the self-proclaimed “love goddess” this was made in close collaboration with her estate, family, and friends. Judy’s real costumes and accordion were used in the film.

FILM CREW:
Director: Taylor Blackwell
Producer: Taylor Blackwell, Brent Mata, Dax Campbell, "V" Vern Pang (of the Judy Tenuta Legacy)
Exec Producer: Taylor Blackwell, Brent Mata, Dax Campbell, "V" Vern Pang (of the Judy Tenuta Legacy)
Writer: Taylor Blackwell
DOP: Brent Mata
Editor: Taylor Blackwell, Brent Mata, Lhenny Acuna
Sound Design: Robert Martin
Composer: Claire McKeown
Production Design: Joaquín Mojtabai
Costume Design: Brea Holmes
Hair & Makeup: Katie Mann
VFX: Adam Sally
Casting: Taylor Blackwell

Cast: Taylor Blackwell, Alan Tudyk, Alex Désert, Suzanne Schmidt, Sydney Kowalske, Dempsey Bryk, Bill Kottkamp, Emily Robinson, Grace Narducci, Oliver Spenceman, Charlie Korman, Andrew Ortenberg


FESTIVALS:
Oak Cliff Film Festival July 2026
Woods Hole Film FestivalJuly 2026
Waco Independent Film FestivalJuly 2026
Poppy Jasper International Film FestivalApril 2026
Cinequest Film FestivalMarch 2026