Queendom
Agniia Galdanova
Presented only in theatres
Winner of the NEXT:WAVE Award at CPH:Dox in 2023, Queendom follows Gena Marvin, queer performance artist from the far east of Russia where being openly different is often seen as clandestine gay propaganda. Utilizing duct tape, trash, and makeup, Gena crafts outrageous performances in Moscow, boldly protesting against the looming war in Ukraine and violence towards the LGBTQI+ community. From their hometown of Magadan to the vibrant streets of Moscow, the documentary captures the daily challenges they encounter, blending striking images from their daring performances with heartfelt conversations, uncovering layers of both misunderstanding and unconditional love.
“A remarkable portrait of a fearless activist” - The Guardian
“A devastating, urgent reminder that art can be dangerous and important and political and powerful — especially in ten-inch heels.” - Empire Magazine
“Gena Marvin is an inspirational figure in a slightly scattergun documentary from the film-maker Agniia Galdanova that spends far too much time analysing why Marvin’s traditionalist Russian grandfather finds drag a bit off-putting.” - Times (UK)
“A remarkable film that weaves empowerment with unsettling tension and artistry with pure barbarism. It is by far the most affecting documentary of the year.” - The Pink Lens
Winner of the NEXT:WAVE Award at CPH:Dox in 2023, Queendom follows Gena Marvin, queer performance artist from the far east of Russia where being openly different is often seen as clandestine gay propaganda. Utilizing duct tape, trash, and makeup, Gena crafts outrageous performances in Moscow, boldly protesting against the looming war in Ukraine and violence towards the LGBTQI+ community. From their hometown of Magadan to the vibrant streets of Moscow, the documentary captures the daily challenges they encounter, blending striking images from their daring performances with heartfelt conversations, uncovering layers of both misunderstanding and unconditional love.
“A remarkable portrait of a fearless activist” - The Guardian
“A devastating, urgent reminder that art can be dangerous and important and political and powerful — especially in ten-inch heels.” - Empire Magazine
“Gena Marvin is an inspirational figure in a slightly scattergun documentary from the film-maker Agniia Galdanova that spends far too much time analysing why Marvin’s traditionalist Russian grandfather finds drag a bit off-putting.” - Times (UK)
“A remarkable film that weaves empowerment with unsettling tension and artistry with pure barbarism. It is by far the most affecting documentary of the year.” - The Pink Lens
Other festivals:
SXSW, World Premiere, United States (2023)
CPH:DOX, Danemark (2023)
SXSW, World Premiere, United States (2023)
CPH:DOX, Danemark (2023)
| Director | Agniia Galdanova |
| Production | Igor Myakotin, Agniia Galdanova |
| Production Manager | Agniia Galdanova |
| Executive Production | David France, Jess Search, James Costa |
| Editing | Vlad Fishez |
In Partnership with
Session
• Cinéma du Musée - Auditorium Maxwell-Cummings
Tuesday, march 19, 2024, 07:30 p.m. — 09:15 p.m.
Production
Agniia Galdanova
Agniia Galdanova is a Sundance and IDFA-supported documentary film director. Her first feature-length documentary One Step Forward, One Step Back about a family’s dream to live far from civilization in the Altai Mountains premiered at Message to Man International Film Festival. She is currently directing Queendom, a feature-length documentary set to release in 2023.
Biographical notes provided by the film production team
Biographical notes provided by the film production team
One Step Forward, One Step Back (2020)
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