Ukrainian Drag Performers Star In Documentary ‘Queens Of Joy’

Experiencing pleasure in wartime would possibly sound like an impossibility, however members of the LGBTQ neighborhood in Ukraine are proving it’s not solely achievable, however even a type of resistance.

Diva Monroe, a trans lady, and drag performers Marlene and Aura star in Queens of Joy, which simply held its world premiere on the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival in Greece. They embrace their identities, promote solidarity amongst all Ukrainians and commit their energies to elevating cash to assist the defenders of their homeland, which has been underneath vicious full-scale assault from Russia for greater than three years now.

“Queens of Joy is a statement about the courage to be yourself, about the search for hope, and about how true beauty is born in freedom,” filmmaker Olga Gibelinda writes in a director’s assertion. “This film is for everyone, as each of us fights our own battle—for identity, for love, for the right to have a voice in this world. In the darkest times, what unites us is not just shared pain, but also unwavering dignity, the ability to rejoice, create, and love. It is a story about those who, despite the war, choose life in all its colors.”

As proven within the Oscar-shortlisted documentary Queendom, in regards to the Russian drag efficiency artist Gena Marvin, Russia grew to become an much more inhospitable place for LGBTQ individuals after the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. In November 2023, as an example, Russia’s supreme court docket declared the “international LGBTQ movement” to be an extremist group. This is however one indication of the way in which during which the battle constitutes a conflict of civilizations – one which’s repressive and illiberal, and one other that’s much more open and inclusive.

Queens of Joy “demonstrates that the Ukrainian LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of society and actively supports the country in its most difficult times,” notes producer Ivanna Khitsinska. “In times of war, the only thing that matters is which side you fight on, not how you dress or whom you love. Queens of Joy aims to expand the dialogue about human rights, freedom of expression and tolerance. This project is a message to the world that Ukrainians are fighting not only for their independence, but also for the right to freedom in all its manifestations.”

Adds producer Louis Beaudemont, “Queens of Joy goes against all our preconceived notions. It shows that the war in Ukraine does not bring more paternalism, more hatred, more racism, or more homophobia. On the contrary, the development of Ukrainian identity, freed from the chains of the Russian Empire and in the terrible conditions of the most violent conflict Europe has experienced since the Second World War, embraces an idea that lies at the very foundation of Europe: united in diversity.”

Queens of Joy is a manufacturing of Malanka Studios, Les Steppes Productions, and Films & Chips, in collaboration with ARTE and Suspilne Ukraine (the nationwide public broadcaster in Ukraine).

“Queens of Joy also is evidence that Ukraine is a free and tolerant country,” feedback Sergiy Nedzelskyy, head of co-production and outsource commissioning at Suspilne Ukraine. “I can’t imagine seeing such a film in the totalitarian states.”

The documentary weaves between the tales of the three protagonists, exploring their particular person journeys of self-acceptance and self-expression. Diva Monroe (who attracts inspiration from Marilyn Monroe, therefore her title) grew to become a outstanding TV host, actress, blogger, and influencer in Ukraine, however in some respects discovered that public persona constraining. “She seeks help from a psychologist and gradually reveals her true self, breaking free from her public image,” the filmmakers observe.

Interestingly, Artur Ozerov, aka Aura, is each a navy man and, when out of uniform, a drag artist. He comes from what be known as a divided household — his uncle left Ukraine for Russia, the place he grew to become an officer within the FSB, the successor of the KGB. Arthur and his mom, in the meantime, “chose the values of freedom” and although initially native Russian audio system they immersed themselves within the Ukrainian language as an act of patriotism.

Oleksandr Danilin, aka Marlen Scandal, cultivates a fierce drag persona, propelling them to legendary standing in Ukraine’s LGBTQ neighborhood. As seen in Queens of Joy, Marlen organizes a serious charity occasion to boost cash for Ukrainian troopers.

The movie explores one space of sensitivity for the nation’s queer neighborhood – the shortage of authorized recognition for identical intercourse relationships. Ukrainian legislation doesn’t allow identical intercourse marriages nor codify civil unions. At a Q&A following the world premiere, the filmmaking workforce famous that Ukraine’s legislature is contemplating a draft legislation that will accord authorized standing to identical intercourse partnerships.

The problem has change into significantly urgent in wartime, as a result of companions of LGBTQ troopers killed in battle presently haven’t any proper to spousal advantages – a actuality explored within the documentary. Olga Gibelinda, the director, and Ivanna Khitsinska, the producer, expressed some optimism that such laws may be accepted, telling the viewers that Ukrainian society as an entire acknowledges the sacrifice of its LGBTQ navy personnel who’ve bravely taken up the protection of their nation.

Queens of Joy is amongst a dozen movie tasks by Ukrainian filmmakers which have earned assist from ARTE because the begin of the full-scale battle.

“At ARTE GEIE in Strasbourg, we were immediately excited about this upbeat and relevant project,” the corporate mentioned in an announcement. “The Queens combat war and murder with joy – and resist by continuing daily life with dance, love and colorful power. Therefore, they have decided to stay put in their country and continue to fight for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights in wartime.”