As a follower of Jenna Marvin and Agniia Galdanova’s fabulous documentary “Queendom,” I can’t help but be moved by the resilience, courage, and artistry that Jenna exudes throughout the film. Born and raised in Russia, I have seen firsthand the oppressive policies against LGBTQ+ individuals, and it’s heartening to see someone like Jenna stand up against such discrimination with her bold and unapologetic drag performances.
Drag doesn’t necessarily have to be political or extreme in its views. However, when it is faced with politicians and policies that seek to erase it from public spaces entirely (under the guise of nation, religion, children, or any mix thereof), drag artists are compelled to turn their bodies and art into symbols of resistance. In Agniia Galdanova’s remarkable yet somber documentary “Queendom,” viewers are invited to observe the reluctant radicalization of Jenna Marvin. This young, nonbinary drag artist prefers to focus on creating and displaying her work without much concern. However, the escalating anti-LGBTQ+ policies of Putin’s Russia force her to constantly find ways to escape and persist.
As a cinephile, I find myself captivated by the enigmatic figure of a slender young Russian woman in “Queendom.” This unique character boasts an all-white pearl-tinted head, devoid of hair or eyebrows, and her face is adorned with black and white clownish motifs – tear drop outlines around her eyes and bold lines tracing her mouth. Dressed in a frilled white collar, matching corset, black leather boots, gloves, and an elegant eggshell coat, she ventures out into the wintry landscape for her day’s adventures.
The contradiction between the officers claiming they’re not evicting Jenna yet asking her to leave due to her outfit causing a disturbance, leaves the audience in a tough predicament that Jenna can’t escape. She’s simply trying to live her life, but it’s becoming harder and harder as she now finds herself in rural Russia, specifically Magadan during winter. Previously, she was in Moscow, a city that initially seemed more accepting of her drag, yet eventually proved just as unfriendly when her public, bold, and avant-garde activism made her move back in with her grandparents, who further upset her by asking her to tone down her self-expression.
When I step out wearing my character costumes,” Jenna says to the camera, “I feel like I’m on top of the world and nothing can frighten me, not even here in Russia. My transformations through makeup, wigs, and unique outfits reflect this confidence. Sometimes, I appear so alienating that people around me seem puzzled, like when I move through subway floors or casually walk down grocery aisles. At other times, completely wrapped in gold foil, I create an emptiness that makes the surrounding amusement park feel even more hollow and dismal. It seems as though Jenna’s public performances aim to find power in being viewed as different, rather than being ostracized.” This has earned her nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram alone.
However, it’s important to note that while Jenna’s tough exterior, as depicted through her outfits and performances, may evoke a sense of intimidation or discomfort, there is more to her than meets the eye. The series “Queendom” presents some breathtaking scenes where Jenna, often dressed in minimal clothing adorned with barbed wire or sporting a coral-like wig, showcases an impressive range of talents. Yet, what sets Galdanova apart is not just portraying Jenna’s vulnerable moments – such as her emotional phone calls with her grandparents, stressful visa appointments, and tearful reactions to hateful physical attacks – but by skillfully connecting these intimate scenes to the very protective masks that Jenna wears daily.
One particularly impactful scene in the movie stands out because it features an ornamental prop (a dark bodysuit adorned with elongated fingers and an insect-like headpiece) malfunctioning. The scene is underscored by Toke Brorson Odin and Damien Vandesande’s haunting electronic music, which accentuates the silent cries of pain Jenna emits as she struggles in the barren, sandy landscape and frolics wildly in a nearby puddle. As Jenna grows more exhausted, the beautiful moment transforms into one of excruciating, tormenting agony. It’s exhausting to be so strong. Yet, that’s all she can ever be in a world that seeks to mute her.
Queendom” stands as a compelling depiction of a queer artist, while also serving as a subtle rallying cry. This piece not only reflects the intertwining nature of art and activism, but also underscores how they can’t be easily separated. Jenna’s activism is deeply rooted in her artistic expression because her existence itself is a political statement. By deciding to live boldly and share her personal journey with the world, Jenna has carved out a path where her outrageous drag art offers an opportunity to redefine the world, so she won’t have to continue concealing herself. Not to blend in, but to reduce the need for constant confrontation.
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2024-12-18 05:46