New Movies: Queendom (2023) by Agniia Galdanova: A Visually Striking Portrait of Russian Queer Activism
- dailyentertainment95
- May 31
- 9 min read
"Queendom" is a powerful 2023 documentary film directed and co-written by Agniia Galdanova. It offers an intimate and visually striking portrait of Gena Marvin, a young (21-year-old at the time of filming) queer performance artist from a small, conservative Russian town. Defying Russia's escalating anti-LGBTQ+ laws and societal prejudice, Gena creates elaborate, otherworldly costumes from junk and tape, staging provocative public performances in Moscow. These acts blend art and activism, challenging perceptions of beauty and queerness, and drawing attention to the harassment faced by the LGBTQ+ community, often at significant personal risk and despite a strained relationship with her traditional grandparents. The film is a testament to resilience, self-expression, and the power of art as a form of protest.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26083700/
About movie: https://thefilmcollaborative.org/films/queendom
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/queendom (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/queendom (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/queendom (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/queendom (France)
Detailed Summary
"Queendom," released in 2023, is a feature-length documentary (98 minutes runtime) from Russian-born, Berlin-based director Agniia Galdanova. Co-written with Igor Myakotin, the film follows the extraordinary journey of Gena Marvin, a queer performance artist living in Russia amidst increasing state-sponsored homophobia and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
The film introduces Gena, who hails from Magadan, a frigid former Soviet gulag outpost in Russia's Far East. At just 21, having grown up in this harsh environment, Gena defies the odds by creating fantastical, often monstrous or alien-like, costumes from discarded materials like tape, plastic, and junk. She then takes to the streets of Moscow, staging radical and visually arresting public performances. These acts are not merely artistic expression but a powerful form of activism, designed to challenge rigid societal norms, confront prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community, and protest the government's oppressive policies.
Gena's art is deeply personal, a manifestation of her subconscious and her experiences of marginalization. However, these provocative displays come at a significant personal cost, as she faces scrutiny from authorities, mockery from passersby, and sometimes outright hostility or violence. The film captures moments of conflict, including being asked to leave a grocery store for her attire or facing "educational and legal consequences" for her participation in protests.
Beyond her public activism, the documentary also delves into Gena's complex and often heartbreaking relationship with her grandparents, who raised her. While they express a form of love, they struggle to comprehend or accept her artistic and queer identity, often misgendering her or expressing conservative ideals. This generational clash serves as a poignant microcosm of the broader societal intolerance Gena faces.
"Queendom" has been lauded for its "tremendous bravery," its "exquisite gentleness and outstanding visual beauty," and for being an "urgent, rich portrait of a Russian queer artist fighting prejudice and heavy-handed patriarchy." It highlights Gena's resilience and her refusal to be silenced, ultimately showing her forced to make difficult decisions about leaving her home country for safety. The film is a co-production, supported by entities like the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program and the International Documentary Association.
Plot Summary
Introduction to Gena Marvin: The film introduces Gena Marvin, a 21-year-old queer performance artist living in a small, conservative town in Russia.
Art as Activism: Gena begins creating elaborate, often monstrous costumes from everyday materials and performing radical public acts in Moscow. These performances are explicitly designed to protest Russia's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and societal prejudice.
Confronting Opposition: Gena faces significant backlash, including public harassment, legal threats, and familial disapproval, as her art challenges the status quo.
Complex Family Dynamics: The documentary explores Gena's strained but loving relationship with her grandparents, who struggle to accept her identity and artistic expression, reflecting the generational and cultural divide.
Personal Sacrifice and Resilience: Despite the dangers and personal costs, Gena continues her activism, driven by a powerful need for self-expression and social change.
Journey of Self-Actualization: The film culminates in Gena's difficult decision to seek safety outside Russia, highlighting her unwavering commitment to living authentically.
Director's Vision
Agniia Galdanova's vision for "Queendom" is deeply personal and politically charged, aiming to showcase the resilience of queer individuals in oppressive environments through the lens of art and activism. Her vision includes:
Observational Storytelling: Galdanova employs an immersive, observational language, letting Gena's actions and experiences speak for themselves, without heavy narration. This creates an intimate and candid portrayal.
Art as a Form of Protest: To highlight how Gena's visually stunning and provocative performances serve as a powerful new form of art and activism, demonstrating art's vital role in social change movements.
Humanizing the "Other": To present Gena not just as an activist, but as a complex human being with vulnerabilities, family struggles, and aspirations, fostering empathy and understanding.
Challenging Prejudice: To directly confront Russia's anti-LGBTQ+ laws and societal intolerance, emphasizing the courage required to live authentically in such an environment.
Visual Poetics: Working with cinematographer Ruslan Fedotov, Galdanova aims for exquisite visual beauty, showcasing Gena's art against varied backdrops (from stark Magadan to urban Moscow) to enhance the film's impact.
Global Relevance: While rooted in Russia, the film is meant to be a universal call to live authentically and to fight prejudice in any environment.
Themes
Art as Activism/Resistance: The central theme explores how Gena uses her performance art and costume design as a powerful tool for political protest and social commentary against oppression.
LGBTQIA+ Rights and Persecution: The film directly addresses the severe harassment, prejudice, and legal restrictions faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in Russia.
Self-Expression and Authenticity: Gena's unwavering commitment to being her true self, despite immense societal pressure and danger, is a core theme.
Identity and Belonging: The documentary delves into Gena's journey of self-discovery and her struggle to find acceptance within her family and society.
Generational Divide: The strained relationship between Gena and her grandparents highlights the clash between traditional values and modern queer identities.
Courage and Resilience: Gena's bravery in facing adversity and her determination to continue her activism despite personal risks are central to the film's message.
Key Success Factors
Compelling Protagonist: Gena Marvin is a truly unique and inspiring figure, whose story of defiance and artistic expression immediately captivates audiences.
Timely and Urgent Subject Matter: The film directly addresses the escalating human rights issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Russia, making it incredibly relevant and impactful.
Visually Stunning: Gena's elaborate costumes and performances, expertly captured by the filmmakers, provide a unique aesthetic appeal.
Strong Festival Performance: Premiering at SXSW and winning significant awards at CPH:DOX, Zurich, Athens, and other festivals, "Queendom" quickly established its critical acclaim and audience appeal.
Emotional Depth: Beyond the activism, the film's exploration of Gena's family life and personal struggles adds a profound emotional layer.
Awards and Nominations
"Queendom" has received significant critical acclaim and numerous awards on the international film festival circuit:
SXSW Film Festival 2023: Nominee, SXSW Grand Jury Award, Documentary Feature
CPH:DOX (Copenhagen International Documentary Festival) 2023: Winner, NEXT:WAVE Award ("Urgent and Political... a powerful and intimate coming of age story about an Outsider within her family and her country... a breathtaking and striking reminder of arts role in speaking truth to power.")
Zurich Film Festival 2023: Winner, Audience Award; Winner, Special Mention, International Documentary Film; Nominee, Golden Eye Award, Best International Documentary Film
Athens International Film Festival 2023: Winner, Special Mention, Best Documentary; Nominee, Golden Athena, Best Documentary
Munich Film Festival 2023: Winner, CineRebels Award - Honorable Mention; Nominee, CineRebels Award
Reykjavik International Film Festival 2023: Winner, Audience Award, Best Documentary
L.A. Outfest 2023: Winner, Special Mention, Documentary Feature
LesGaiCineMad, Madrid International LGBT Film Festival 2023: Winner, Jury Prize, Best Documentary; Winner, Jury Prize, Best Documentary Director
International Documentary Association (IDA) Awards 2024: Winner, Best Cinematography (Ruslan Fedotov); Nominee, Best Director (Agniia Galdanova); Nominee, Best Feature Documentary
Cinema Eye Honors Awards, US 2025: Winner, The Unforgettables (Gena Marvin); Nominee, Outstanding Achievement in Visual Design (Agniia Galdanova)
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics 2025: Nominee, Dorian Award, LGBTQ Non-English Language Film of the Year; Nominee, LGBTQ Documentary of the Year
Henry Awards for Public Interest Documentary (Inaugural): Semifinalist (Oscar-shortlisted documentary)
The film was also Oscar-shortlisted for Best Documentary Feature in the 2024 Academy Awards.
Critics Reception
"Queendom" has received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers consistently praising its bravery, visual artistry, and profound emotional impact.
Variety: Manuel Betancourt called it a "heartbreaking portrait of strength and resilience," concluding it is "both a powerful portrait of a queer artist as well as a sly call to" action.
Cineuropa: Vladan Petkovic described it as an "urgent, rich portrait of a Russian queer artist fighting prejudice and heavy-handed patriarchy."
Film Inquiry: Stephanie Archer lauded it as "a beautiful film of pain, emotion, expression, and resilience."
Movie Marker: Praised Gena Marvin as a "fearless radical performer" and highlighted how the film "paints a captivating portrait of how such artistry can recalibrate the countless torments we've faced, enabling a once unlikely sense of hope to emerge amid such aggression." They commended Galdanova for "bravely thrusting us into this sea of a passionate outcry through tight framing, avoiding the traditional doc route of heavy narration."
The Daily Beast: Stated, "It’s impossible not to be taken by Gena. 'Queendom' is both a fascinating deep dive into a queer artist and a powerful act of defiance that's more than just a call to action."
The Upcoming: Noted it as a "nuanced and ingenious exploration of life as a trans-drag artist in modern Russia," praising Gena's "strength and bravery" and highlighting the impactful family dynamic.
SXSW Review by Christopher Llewellyn Reed: Called it "a work of tremendous bravery—both cinematic and otherwise," offering an "intimate portrait of a transgender Russian artist in her journey of dangerous self-actualization." He also praised Galdanova and cinematographer Ruslan Fedotov for "extraordinary work photographing many of Gena's conceptual pieces."
Overall Summary: Critics universally laud "Queendom" as a vital, timely, and deeply moving documentary. It's celebrated for its unflinching look at oppression, its artistic merit (especially Gena's performances and the cinematography), and its powerful testament to resilience and self-expression. The film is recognized as a significant contribution to both documentary filmmaking and LGBTQIA+ storytelling.
Reviews
Emotional Impact: Reviewers consistently highlight the film's ability to evoke strong emotions, from admiration for Gena's bravery to sadness over the challenges she faces.
Visuals and Aesthetics: Gena's extraordinary costumes and performances, captured with compelling cinematography by Ruslan Fedotov, are frequently praised for their artistic and symbolic power.
Activism and Political Relevance: The film's direct confrontation of Russia's anti-LGBTQ+ policies and its role as a form of protest are central to critical discussions.
Character Study: The deep dive into Gena's personality, motivations, and personal struggles, including her family dynamics, is widely appreciated.
Observational Style: Galdanova's decision to minimize narration and allow Gena's story to unfold naturally is seen as effective in creating intimacy and authenticity.
Production Summary
"Queendom" is a 98-minute (1 hour and 38 minutes) documentary film, produced in 2023. It is a French-American co-production, featuring dialogue primarily in Russian.
Directed by: Agniia Galdanova
Written by: Agniia Galdanova, Igor Myakotin
Subject: Gena Marvin (as herself)
Cinematography: Ruslan Fedotov
Editing: Vlad Fishez
Producers: Igor Myakotin, Agniia Galdanova
Executive Producers: David France, Jess Search, Arnaud Borges, James Costa, Michèle Lamy
Production Companies: Galdanova Film, in collaboration with Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, International Documentary Association, InMaat Productions, Doc Society, and Sopka Films.
Production Companies
Galdanova Film
Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program
International Documentary Association
InMaat Productions
Doc Society
Sopka Films
Sales Companies
The Film Collaborative (US distribution support)
Cinephil (International Sales, as listed by some festival sites)
Theatrical Release
"Queendom" had a limited theatrical release, primarily through film festivals and select arthouse cinemas. It premiered at SXSW 2023 and went on to screen at numerous prestigious festivals worldwide.
Why to recommend this movie
Incredibly Timely and Urgent: It offers a vital look at the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in Russia, making it deeply relevant.
Inspiring Protagonist: Gena Marvin's courage, creativity, and resilience in the face of oppression are truly inspiring.
Visually Captivating: The film is a feast for the eyes, showcasing Gena's unique and often mesmerizing performance art and costumes.
Powerful Blend of Art and Activism: It demonstrates how artistic expression can be a profound form of political protest and personal liberation.
Critically Acclaimed: With numerous awards and strong reviews from top festivals, it's recognized as a significant documentary.
Why to Watch Movie
If you care about human rights and LGBTQIA+ issues: The film provides a compelling, firsthand account of persecution and resistance.
To witness the power of art as a form of protest: Gena's performances are a testament to creative defiance.
If you appreciate character-driven documentaries: The film offers an intimate and unforgettable portrait of a unique individual.
For visually stunning and unconventional cinema: Gena's costumes and the film's aesthetic are highly memorable.
To be inspired by resilience and self-expression: Gena's story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to endure and thrive.
Movie Trend
"Queendom" aligns with the growing trend of Activist Documentaries that spotlight individuals or communities fighting for human rights and social justice in challenging political environments. Specifically, it fits into the surge of LGBTQIA+ Themed Documentaries from around the world that offer authentic and often perilous accounts of queer lives. Its emphasis on visual artistry and performance also places it within a trend of Art-Infused Documentaries that blend creative expression with social commentary.
Social Trend
"Queendom" taps into the crucial social trend of Global Awareness of LGBTQIA+ Rights and the Fight Against Authoritarianism. In an era where democratic values are challenged and human rights are threatened in many parts of the world, there is increasing public and media attention on the plight of marginalized groups. The film directly addresses Russia's escalating crackdown on LGBTQIA+ individuals, contributing to a broader international conversation about human rights, freedom of expression, and the courageous resistance against oppressive regimes. It also highlights the Power of Online Visibility and Performance Art as tools for activism in a digitally connected world.
Final Verdict
"Queendom" is an urgent, breathtaking, and deeply moving documentary that stands as a vital testament to courage and artistic defiance. Agniia Galdanova's intimate and visually stunning portrait of Gena Marvin is not just a film about a performance artist; it's a powerful and timely chronicle of queer resistance against oppression in Russia. With its compelling protagonist, raw emotional honesty, and unique visual language, "Queendom" is a must-watch that captivates, inspires, and powerfully reminds us of the enduring strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-expression in the face of adversity. Its numerous awards and critical acclaim affirm its status as one of the most important documentaries of recent years.
Comentários