Swing State

Seattle based rock DJ, Ethan Smith, hosts a popular radio program called Ears Wide Shut which appeals to his passion for music but unfortunately, pays a very low wage. When the conservative host of a right wing program also featured on the radio station goes missing, Ethan is called in to cover his absence. Donning a wig and bowtie, he invents the persona, Charles Fern, and brands himself "the new voice for the Right". Ethan intends the charade to be a one-time deal but his listeners find that the fictitious Fern is the tough talker they have been desperate to hear. When the talk show enjoys a huge spike in ratings following Ethan's hosting gig, he is asked to take over the high-paying host job full-time and pushed onto the national stage where he may make history but lose everything that matters to him in the process. (Palm Beach International Film Festival)