QUEENDOM: special screening in Berlin

For the first time on the big screen in Berlin — arguably the best Russian-language documentary of recent years.

Agniia Galdanova’s Queendom became such a striking phenomenon that even its title has taken on a life of its own. The documentary made waves at international film festivals, received a flood of glowing reviews from critics, and made the Oscar shortlist — thanks to its outstanding artistic qualities and, of course, its incredible protagonist.

Queer artist Jenna Marvin is torn between Magadan, where she was raised by her grandparents, and Moscow, where her radical performances alternate with street protests. Six thousand kilometers lie between the two cities — an entire country. Yet the space for freedom within it has long since shrunk to a barely visible point. It is all the more astonishing to watch Jenna take to the streets in her outrageous outfits, as if stepping into outer space.

Every performance is met with bewildered looks, angry shouts, and physical attacks. In a duel between a fragile yet endlessly courageous loner and a faceless, aggressive crowd, the winner is known in advance. And yet that only makes the duel more mesmerizing.

Galdanova studied directing at Marina Razbezhkina’s renowned documentary film school, but together with cinematographer Ruslan Fedotov, she does more than simply document reality — she turns it into a captivating visual poem. Queendom is one of those rare documentaries that needs to be seen on the big screen.

Queendom (2023)
Director: Agniia Galdanova
Cinematographer: Ruslan Fedotov
Producers: Agniia Galdanova, Igor Myakotin
Running time: 98 minutes
Language: Russian with English subtitles