FILM REVIEW: KOKOMO CITY

There are no holds barred in D Smith’s monochrome documentary about the lives of four black trans women sex workers in New York and Atlanta. It rightly garnered awards at the prestigious Sundance Festival, and Brighton audiences can catch it for one screening on Wednesday, August 9 at Duke’s at the Komedia.

Daniella Carter, Dominique Silver, Koko Da Doll and Liyah Mitchell lift the lid on their transitioning and how they now earn a living. Smith, also a trans woman, intercuts their face-to-camera revelations with quirky, funny re-enactments and funky music.

There are acid wits on display here, and no-one pulls their punches – explicit language is mirrored in sneak peeks at their “trade”. And the women don’t have much time for the men who give them their income – often straight men with wife and kids at home.

There are stories of violence, racism, bigotry and hypocrisy to take in, but the overwhelming theme is one of survival, mingled with a strong sense of empowerment. We’re told, with more than a touch of humour, that some clients don’t want to know or see the women’s male genitals, and often the men come to act as bottoms.

There’s often no time for sentiment or any thought of romance – as one of the workers tells the camera: “it’s trade after all”. The only man who gets our sympathy in the film is the smiley Xotommy, who cuddles his trans girlfriend with genuine affection. It’s a nice moment.

These women are totally conscious of their bodies, often looking at themselves in the mirror, or accentuating their curves. You wouldn’t want to mess with any of them. And yet sadly, they are often the subject of violence: maybe the backlash of men who can’t cope with the situation. “All of my girlfriends are dead,” one shockingly tells us.

There are many layers of complexity in this 70-minute movie and many questions we have: is it just a way to earn a living? Is it ultimately degrading when their futures could be elsewhere? Are they truly in charge?

What we’re left with is a feeling of respect for their choice of journey, anxiety for their safety, and gratitude that their stories have been caught so brilliantly by Smith.

There’s a tragic footnote: A few months ago, one of the principals, Koko, was found shot dead – presumably at the hands of a client. That certainly pulls you up short. The film is distributed by Dogwoof – check their website for future possible screenings.