Mala Mala

A timely film—considering the Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner media hysteria—Dan Sickles and Antonio Santini's documentary spotlights Puerto Rico's flamboyant transgendered underground. Most of the subjects here were born male, but thanks to hormone use and plastic surgery (performed in Ecuador, as no local doctors dare to do it) they now have feminine features (some so pronounced that they seem to be caricatures of femininity). The odd "man" out interviewed is Paxx, an androgynous woman, who is living with a girlfriend and identifying as male, but is not really sure where to fall on the gender divide. Most work as prostitutes, a choice often forced upon transsexuals as they are not accepted in any regular jobs. During the course of the narrative, the ensemble comes together to speak in favor of an anti-discrimination law, favored by the mayor of San Juan (but opposed, naturally, by the Catholic Church). A fine multicultural LGBT documentary—with colorful costumes no less—this is recommended. (C. Cassady)