I’ve been trying to see director Agniia Galdanova’s documentary film Queendom ever since it came out in 2023. And two weeks ago, a golden opportunity presented itself at a screening in New York City at the Roxy Cinema.
Source: Roxy Hotel
The Roxy is a favorite of mine, a 1930s inspired theater that screens a range of independent films and cult classics. It was there that I took my friend to watch the recently deceased filmmaker, David Lynch’s Blue Velvet (Rest in Peace to a Surrealist King). And it was there that I sat in awkward horror as Dennis Hopper’s character, Frank Booth, yelled “Baby wants fo fuck!” while staring into Isabella Rossellini’s vagina.
Serving Ryuk from Deathnote with my fur lined coat, black bootcut jeans, and stomping boots, I rode the subway down to the Roxy.
Source: Ryuk Character Page
When I got there, I was greeted by the hotel lobby’s Art Deco interior, which combines old New York charm with a modern glamour. Gliding through as if I owned the place, I looked around for the pre-film reception. I found my way to the bar where luxurious coats, layers of accessories, and unique silhouettes told me I was in the right place.
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The film’s starting soon so I head down to the Cinema and watch as the lounge is quickly filled with eager viewers. Shout out to the attendants who were expertly managing a far larger crowd than the lobby was meant for!
That’s when the film’s central protagonist and performance artist, Jenna Marvin arrived in full glamorous drag.
Soon after, executive producer and French fashion legend, Michèle Lamy, arrived with an effortlessly cool entourage – dripping in Rick Owens, grommets, and leather.
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Now the screening has begun, and I’m treated to Jenna Marvin’s spectacular story: a journey of resilience as she risks her life to stage radical street performances. Set in Putin’s Russia where the “International LGBT movement” has been labeled an extremist organization, Jenna receives plenty of backlash for her work: criticism by her family, expulsion from her university, government detention, and physical harm.
However, as Jenna states in the film, “Whenever I go out in character, I’m on top of the world. No-one, even here in Russia, can scare me. I’m like a knight in armor.” Jenna’s costumes frequently use electrical tape, a material that resembles latex and brings to mind themes of BDSM, restriction, and control.
By bringing these provocative elements into the public eye, Jenna creates space for others, paving the way for all manners of self-expression. By proudly living in her truth, Jenna sends a powerful message that if she can do it, so can you.
Jenna’s story is one easily recognized by any person who has felt like an outsider in their community. At its’ core, it’s a tale about dealing with harsh cultural norms that place restraints on one’s self-expression. As a queer person who grew up in Jamaica – where same-sex relationships can result in a 10 year jail sentence – I instantly connected to Jenna’s message. In these conditions, self-expression becomes protest: a blatant refusal to conform to regressive beliefs.
They held a Q&A after the screening with Michele Lamy, Gena Marvin, Agniia Galdanova, Igor Myakotin, and Laura Poitras on the panel.
Director Agniia reflected on her time in film school while sharing insights about documenting Gena’s story.
Writing and Photography by Nico Riley