Kokomo City, a captivating new documentary by filmmaker D. Smith, delves into the lives of Black trans sex workers with a fresh and artistic perspective. The film opens with a gripping story from one of its main subjects, Liyah, who recounts a dangerous encounter with a client that takes a dramatic twist when she comes face to face with his gun. Liyah’s brave and intense actions unfold like a scene from Pulp Fiction, as she describes their struggle and a subsequent unexpected text exchange that rekindles their encounter.
Featuring striking high-contrast monochrome visuals, Kokomo City sets itself apart from typical portrayals of its subject matter. Smith, a Grammy-nominated music producer and trans woman, faced rejection from the industry after her transition. Directing this film allowed her to channel her diverse range of influences into a unique creative endeavor. Drawing inspiration from provocative artists like Salvador Dalí rather than traditional documentaries or journalism, Smith aimed to create a compelling visual exploration of the lives of trans women.
Kokomo City, released on July 28, joins another groundbreaking documentary by trans women filmmakers, HBO’s The Stroll, directed by Kristen Lovell and Zackary Drucker, which focuses on trans sex workers in New York City. However, Kokomo City broadens its scope by showcasing the experiences of women in both New York and Georgia. Both documentaries benefit greatly from the trust established between the filmmakers and their subjects, as evidenced by the intimate and authentic interviews. Despite addressing difficult experiences, the women speak candidly and with a comfortable rapport, resulting in moments of genuine laughter and unfiltered storytelling.
While The Stroll incorporates archival footage and visual mapping to illustrate the changing landscape of its subjects’ work environments, Kokomo City derives much of its charm from the vibrant personalities of its interviewees: Liyah, Daniella, Koko Da Doll, and Dominique. These women share their experiences of transitioning and engaging in sex work to make a living. Their narratives touch on common themes within the trans community, such as familial rejection, limited economic opportunities, and the constant threat of violence in their interactions with potential clients.
By centering the voices of its subjects, Kokomo City demands the viewer’s undivided attention. Unlike Paris Is Burning or the scripted series Pose, which offer visual spectacle and escapism, Smith’s documentary refuses to sugarcoat or distract. There are no extravagant ballrooms or elaborate costumes to entertain. Instead, the film, akin to Kiki and Pier Kids, brings forth the intricacies of its subjects’ lives. We meet these women in their most personal spaces, whether it’s Liyah speaking candidly on her bed or Daniella washing her face in her New York City bathroom, accompanied by her electric face shaver, an essential tool for navigating the world as a trans woman.
Some of the most poignant moments in Kokomo City occur when the women discuss the social and familial dynamics specific to Black communities. Daniella’s thoughtful reflection on the challenges faced by Black mothers when their children transition, grappling with the loss of a son in a world where Black men often don’t provide the protection they seek, resonates deeply. Dominique offers astute analysis on the perception of Black trans women within the Black community, highlighting the historical influence of white supremacy on our understanding of gender since the era of slavery. The film suggests that attempts to create divisions or disassociate from the struggles of Black trans women are ultimately futile and only serve to perpetuate harmful biases. Smith fervently aims to bridge the gap between transgender, queer, and the broader Black community through Kokomo City, promoting a more inclusive and empathetic conversation.
Smith’s unconventional journey to filmmaking influenced the documentary’s focused approach. She did not set out to premiere at prestigious festivals like Sundance or secure a lavish budget to explore every aspect of Black transgender life. Kokomo City marked a new beginning for Smith, who had previously worked with notable artists but faced exclusion from the music industry after transitioning. Throughout periods of financial and emotional turmoil, Smith relied on her camera, backpack, and hormone pills. To find her subjects, she scoured the comment sections on Instagram, where she discovered trans women who were eager to share their stories. Smith’s transparency about her limited resources and her respect for the intimate settings of her subjects’ homes fostered an atmosphere of trust, allowing for raw and genuine conversations to unfold on screen.
Kokomo City also includes interviews with men who discuss their attraction to trans women and the constraints of Black masculinity. These men provide a window into the struggles faced by those trying to navigate societal expectations of manhood. Their stories expose the harmful effects of rigid gender norms. Filmed in everyday settings such as cars, couches, bars, and fishing docks, these men share heartfelt memories of being taught that showing any signs of femininity was a failure. Within the context of the documentary, their reflections feel whole and meaningful, thanks to the trust established between Smith and these friends from her music industry background.
The emotional impact of these men’s stories is heightened when considering the rising number of hate crimes targeting trans individuals, particularly Black trans women. The constant risk of violence underscores the urgent need for a more understanding and accepting society. Kokomo City shines a powerful spotlight on these vital issues, urging viewers to confront the senselessness of discrimination and bridge the gaps that perpetuate harm and division.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
