Kenya is a documentary that portrays the harrowing journey of Kenya, a trans woman sex worker in Mexico City, as she seeks justice and safety after witnessing the murder of her friend Paola by a client. The film begins shortly after this tragic event, capturing Kenya's immediate response and her interactions with Paola's family, who have trouble accepting Paola as she was in life: a vibrant and flamboyant trans woman.
As Kenya approaches Paola's loved ones with a level of respect and understanding that she seldom receives herself, the film delves into the broader issues of violence against trans women and sex workers in Mexico City. The release of Paola’s murderer from custody ignites Kenya’s determined pursuit of justice, supported by her close-knit group of "sisters" who stand by her side through the lengthy legal battle.
Kenya is a raw exploration of the violence and conflicts the trans community faces. The documentary has garnered critical acclaim, winning Best Film and Audience Award at the Queer Porto Film Festival in Portugal, Best International Feature Film at the AMOR LGBT+ International Film Festival in Chile, and the Jury Award for Best Documentary at the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival in the US.
While Kenya attempts to be open and intimate in its portrayal of Kenya and exploration of her life, some amateurish directorial and editorial slip-ups keep the viewer at arm’s length. Among these issues was a lack of obvious chronology and context, forcing the viewer to characterize and world-build on their own as the film moves on without them. While some people have no issues with this, many others will lose focus or interest as they quickly begin to feel lost.
As the debut film from Gisela Delgadillo, Kenya is very impressive in terms of cinematography and its attempt to tell Kenya’s story. However, it occasionally trips over its own feet in exploring the lives of trans sex workers in Mexico City, focusing too much on urban aesthetics while letting many potential subjects slip through its fingers. It also left a strange taste in my mouth that we talk so much about Paola’s murder, but we don’t hear much about her life. I’m looking forward to seeing more films from Delgadillo in the future as she has an eye for motion, light, and composition, but she still needs to find her niche as a documentary filmmaker. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public and academic library shelves?
Kenya should be placed on public library shelves within sections dedicated to LGBTQ+ studies, human rights, and social issues. Given its focus on the experiences of a trans woman sex worker in Mexico City, it would also be suitable for areas related to women's studies, Latin American studies, and criminology. The documentary's exploration of violence against trans women and the legal battles surrounding such cases make it an important resource for understanding contemporary social justice issues. Additionally, its critical acclaim and the awards it has received highlight its significance as an impactful and educational film.
What kind of film series could use this documentary?
Kenya would be an excellent addition to programming a film series focused on sex work or trans activism. This documentary could also be featured in a series dedicated to human rights, social justice, and LGBTQ+ advocacy, offering a poignant perspective on the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities. Furthermore, it would be valuable in a film series exploring Latin American social issues, as it sheds light on the specific challenges faced by trans women in Mexico City.