Queendom 2023 WEB-DL.HC Magnet
Queendom 2023 WEB-DL.HC Magnet
In defiance of Russia’s anti-LGTBQ laws, a 21-year-old queer artist risks her life by performing in surreal costumes across Moscow. Jenna Marvin’s radical public appearances in this SXSW documentary combine art and activism. I’m sure many people will write about the value of Agniia Galdanova’s outstanding documentary about Russian queer drag performance artist Jenna/Gena Marvin (née Gennadiy Chebotarev), especially in light of the persecution of members of the LGBTQ+ community in Putin’s Russia. One will be impressed by the boldness of some of Gena’s protests, videos, and stunts; that’s to her credit, but also the vast network of people involved, many of whom fear for their personal safety. For me, though, the cinematography of “Queendom” takes the cake. is also worth highlighting. The production credits for the film are so sparse that it looks like it was shot almost entirely on a cellphone camera, either by Galdanova or her cinematographer Ruslan Fedotov, which is truly extraordinary and a work of art in itself. Essentially, you can make a great film with your phone. But don’t get carried away. Some people point the camera at something and snap pictures, but filmmakers want to look beyond what they see and see what’s really happening. In the right hands, an image conveys a deeper meaning. Russians, of course, know all about this art form, thanks to their celebrated film industry. Often it’s just a matter of simple technique, like holding a shot a little longer to give the viewer a chance to take in the scene more fully. The gloomy, long frames shot in Gena’s hometown of Magadan, a shipping port far in eastern Russia, for example, serve as the backdrop for a strange shopping experience, a “mini” drama that ends with a history lesson on how the city was used as a transit camp for political prisoners during the Stalin era. In Moscow, where Gena is studying, a long walk in full costume through the city center to Red Square shows the reactions of the people they pass, including military personnel on the metro, etc. Great conversational bits in “Queendom” fill out the basic plot and create the film’s narrative, and many of Gena’s video contributions about wondrous, subliminal characters are cleverly woven into the overall picture. In fact, you are witnessing art, you could be in an art gallery. Her expulsion from university in Moscow for attending an anti-Putin demonstration in a provocative costume in the colors of the Russian Federation is mixed with amazing shots of improvised drama. There are also surreal moments, like the ride at a funfair wrapped in shiny bronze foil, followed by Galdanova circling a few turns behind and being truly inspired. Too many things to mention. Watch them all and you’ll see! Credit is due to the artist, but credit is also due to the artistry of the film… both are significant and worthy of attention. I am sure Queendom was very cleverly edited to tell the story the filmmakers wanted to tell. As one critic noted, the film may not have been completed due to changing circumstances. To me, that doesn’t make it any less important or beautiful to watch, I hope it gets noticed and wins many awards. Gena now lives in France, hopefully she will be able to monetize her art form. The film is currently available in the UK on BBC iPlayer as part of the Storyville series of featured international documentaries.