To Be a Miss

Venezuela might be descending into economic and political chaos, but Edward Ellis's documentary focuses on one of the country's few areas of indisputable success—international beauty contests. In recent years, competitors from the South American country have won numerous Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss International titles. The film argues that their strong performances are the result of a culture that has promoted a thoroughly unrealistic image of female beauty while also pushing the supreme importance of winning recognition as a “Miss.” Egged on by the Miss Venezuela Association headed by Osmel Sousa (a powerful figure shown in archival material but not directly interviewed), this prevailing mindset has led to an explosion of pageants that begin with contests for children and continue up through local competitions that culminate in national finals. This obsession also explains the extraordinarily high per capita use of cosmetics in the country, as well as the growth of a plastic surgery industry so pervasive that operations have become a standard part of a hopeful competitor's life—procedures that are not only dangerous but also expensive, forcing young women to seek agents and wealthy sponsors. By concentrating on three aspiring “Misses”—Kiara, Berthania, and Marla—Ellis incorporates a strong personal element, and his use of archival material and interviews situates the story within the larger scope of Venezuelan history. The film also looks at activists who have lately emerged to protest a system that, in their view, perpetuates unhealthy attitudes about what it means to be a woman. Unfortunately, To Be a Miss is rather clumsily structured, but should still be considered a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)