That is the reality for Jenna Marvin, the protagonist of the Oscar-shortlisted documentaryQueendom.
Jenna embraces politically charged expression and flouts convention despite the risk of harassment, arrest or physical assault.
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Queer artist Jenna Marvin in ‘Queendom’Galdanova Films/Greenwich Ent.
Its not taking 30 minutes to get into such a costume, notes directorAgniia Galdanova.
Its taking about three, four or five hours.
And, also, a lot of friends are helping to wrap [her] up.
‘Queendom’Greenwich Entertainment
Suddenly, there is this creature… From there, the magic starts.
In the mud, it was completely just by accident.
We found this place and decided to do something.
But when it was a bit more prepared, it was always her.
Other more mundane moments become tense, as when Jenna in a costume with lingerie touches enters a supermarket.
She is eventually accosted by security who boot her out, telling her, Youre disturbing the peace.
Theres kids and theres elderly [here].
Home for Jenna doesnt provide much respite.
The film shows the occasionally disputatious relationship between Marvin and her grandparents, who raised her.
Despite the regular flare up of conflict between them, its clear grandchild and grandparents love each other deeply.
And to continue performing in public despite the risk.
She says that drag is always political, its always exaggerated.
Its something that attracts attention.
And if you have this platform, you should use it for good, recounts Myakotin.
Queendomdocuments the growing clampdown on freedom of expression that followed Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Queendomproducer Myakotin relocated to the U.S. a number of years ago.
And, also, they were shaming me that Im an Asian person.
I was standing there on the street talking on the phone.
It was not even nighttime.
For the most part, life in Paris has been better for her.
I was filming, and she told me, No matter whats happening, dont interfere.
Im ready for whatever.
Then the anger started to grow really fast.
They started to kick her; they started to slap her.
And I was filming it, and I was looking at her.
She was completely disconnected from this world.
And then somebody stuck a firecracker in her belly and then pushed her on the ground.
Honestly, for sure its safer and more tolerant in France.
But I feel like we have to keep resisting no matter what.
He adds, Queendomis really a tale for America or for other countries as well.
