Queendom

Agniia Galdanova's 2023 documentary follows a young performance artist living in Russia. Jenna Marvin appears in public in costumes she makes herself, and the performances are both art and direct protest. The tension is risk. The country's laws and public hostility make every appearance dangerous; the camera records assaults, detentions and the break with her family. The costumes are the film's visual centre and their preparation is shown in detail. The narrative adds no commentary and gives events in order. The question of leaving the country arises at the end. Who it's for: those who follow performance art and documentary on queer lives. Who it's not for: viewers for whom street violence and exclusion would sit heavily.