The Journey of Monalisa is a thought-provoking and poetic account of the journey of Ivan Ojeda to become Monalisa Ojeda. Ivan and Nicole Costa, the writer and director of the documentary, are former college friends at the University of Chile’s Drama Department. Nicole learns that the former theater director and playwright, Ivan, now identifies as Monalisa, writes poetry, and earns a living as a sex worker.
Costa’s former classmate identifies with the transgender community, and the film portrays her as someone living a life of several challenges who still manages to find harmony amidst their struggles. The documentary reveals that Monalisa has been working as a sex worker in New York City for 17 years and has been an undocumented immigrant pursuing an American visa. Monalisa's charming and charismatic personality can be felt within the first few minutes of the film.
The Journey of Monalisa follows the long-braided Monalisa through New York City. Their poetry is heartwarming and touching. Monalisa discusses themselves and their clients with a sense of humor. Often Monalisa and Costa forget they are making a documentary and shift to hilarious conversations like they used to do in college. The film relies on footage shot by Monalisa's friends, who usually recorded them whenever they went out. The irony is that even though Ivan is an undocumented citizen, Monalisa is well-documented by her friend’s camcorder.
The Journey of Monalisa portrays life in New York in the past quarter century—the life of sex workers, immigrants, drug use, housing problems, and non-recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. It is a satisfying yet evocative documentary for those looking to learn about Monalisa’s journey and her deep sense of security in her selfhood.
What kind of film series would this documentary fit in?
The Journey of Monalisa is about the challenges immigrants, sex workers, and LGBTQ+ go through, and this series would fit in human rights film series.
What public library shelves would this title be on?
The Journey of Monalisa touches on the unsaid troubles in the most populous city in the US, New York City. The Urban Justice Center helps people such as Monalisa change their citizenship and gender effortlessly; therefore, this documentary would suit a public library shelf holding social justice and LGBTQ-related materials.
What type of classroom would this documentary resource be suitable for?
The Journey of Monalisa would be suitable for any classroom discussing the plight of undocumented immigrants, LGBTQ+, poetry, and performing acts.