The artists dance & vogue on underground subway platforms, down half-empty streets, and on the grass at Christopher Street Pier. They pour themselves into stunningly elaborate costumes before hitting the dance floor under the eyes of hundreds of enthusiastic onlookers. The dance competitors are mostly queer and trans people of color, and "Kiki" introduces you to many of them. Twiggy and Chi Chi , two prominent leaders on the Kiki scene, introduce us to the structure of this ballroom community’s various houses, where LGBT youth form makeshift families. We meet 5 other people who have tried to break down the same barriers in their lives and activism. Divo Pink Lady describes his experience of homelessness after being thrown out by his folks, as well as the homophobia he routinely experiences. Christopher Waldorf recalls a childhood memory of dancing much to his father’s chagrin. Gia , a transgender woman whom we see at different stages of her transition, had an easier time being embraced by her family.
“Kiki” is, among other things, a record of that hostility. It’s a film of unmistakably and unapologetically political intent — not only in its focus on mostly black and Latino youth, but also its willingness to give significant emphasis to transgender issues. Kiki, ballroom and voguing isn’t just a pastime; it’s a cultural form derived from groups of LGBT people of color who have had to create their own families, clubs, and societies when they weren’t accepted in others. This documentary never lets you forget that, and never fails to pay homage to the past historical context of the scene while looking towards its future. On a flip side, the documentary keeps introducing people and takes a while to understand what is happening, and who is who.
A beautifully made documentary that takes an in-depth look at the personal lives of those who make up a fabulous and unique community. Very insightful, and a stunning, visually artistic documentary. (6/10)
Comments