Donna

2022, Clair Farley, Donna Personna, English, The Cockettes, USA,

Director: Jay Bedwani
Release Year: 2022

Synopsis:

"Donna" (2022), directed by Jay Bedwani, offers an intimate and candid glimpse into the life of Donna Personna, a remarkable trans activist, artist, and performer. The documentary traces Donna's inspiring journey to live authentically and to rebuild her relationship with her family. It’s a moving and reflective exploration of self-actualization, identity, and community, set against the backdrop of Donna's contributions to the LGBTQ+ movement and her role in preserving trans history. 

 

Donna Personna’s life has been anything but conventional. Initially making her mark as part of the legendary Cockettes, an avant-garde drag troupe in San Francisco, Donna's life has been a far cry from her conservative Baptist upbringing in San Jose. At the time, she was living a life that was a world away from the quiet, restrictive norms of her childhood. In her seventies now, Donna’s siblings have never witnessed her perform or met the person she has become, making her journey of self-expression even more poignant. The documentary begins at a significant moment when Donna is presented with the opportunity to co-write a play about the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, a pivotal but often overlooked event in LGBTQ+ history. This 1966 act of resistance, led by transgender women, marked one of the first major confrontations between transgender individuals and the police. Donna’s involvement in this project not only brings attention to a key moment in queer history but also acts as a catalyst for her own personal exploration. She crafts a character for the play, to be played by a young transgender activist, and begins to feel emboldened by her work and the support of her growing circle of friends. Encouraged by this new chapter, Donna sets out to reconnect with her estranged sister, Gloria, in a deeply emotional and personal reunion. 

 

The film’s portrait of Donna is enriched by her charisma and energy, which shine through in both her personal and public lives. On stage, Donna is a captivating performer, her lip-syncing routine transcending the typical drag show experience. As she sashays across the stage, she exudes the sensuality of an old Hollywood movie star, but it is the abandon with which she throws herself into the music that truly captivates. Like any great performer, Donna loses herself in the moment, allowing her audience to share in her fantasy. Offstage, Donna’s infectious charm is just as evident. A simple scene in a medical office, where she’s getting a hearing aid fitted, demonstrates her ability to connect with everyone around her. Her witty remarks and warm personality make even a routine appointment feel like an engaging and joyful experience. Despite being in her seventies, Donna continues to engage deeply with her community. Through her work on the Compton's Cafeteria Riot play, Donna is not just preserving history but nurturing the future of trans activism. She becomes a mentor to young transgender women, guiding them as they find their own voices in a rapidly evolving world. 

 

However, the documentary does not shy away from the more difficult aspects of Donna’s life. Raised in a conservative Christian, Mexican-American family, Donna’s early years were filled with struggle and isolation. Her recollections of this time are evocative and deeply moving. At times, however, the film's visual representations of these memories feel less impactful. A poignant scene recounting a teenage sexual encounter, for instance, is visually underwhelming, with the camera lingering on a shirtless torso in a dark motel room, a choice that falls short of the emotional weight of the narrative. The real power of "Donna", though, lies in moments when the documentary simply allows Donna to shine. Her spontaneous dance in the street and the touching reunion with her sister Gloria offer intimate glimpses into the emotional core of the film. These moments highlight Donna’s resilience, her ability to maintain meaningful connections, and her unwavering commitment to her authentic self. Donna’s favorite word, "persistence," encapsulates her journey. At 75, she is still finding new ways to thrive in the San Francisco performance scene, proving that it's never too late to pursue one’s passions. But persistence also speaks to her broader journey as a trans woman. Donna has only publicly embraced her gender identity in her late fifties, a decision that marked a powerful transformation in her life. Over the past decade, Donna has become a beacon of self-actualization and an active participant in both cultural and political movements. Bedwani’s documentary beautifully captures the complexities of Donna’s third act — one that is defined by growth, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. This "third act" is not just a personal triumph, but also a statement about the ongoing struggle for trans rights and visibility. Donna’s story highlights the importance of living authentically and embracing one's identity, no matter the age or the challenges faced along the way. 

 

At its core, "Donna" is a testament to the importance of preserving trans history. Though there is still much work to be done for trans rights, it is crucial to remember and celebrate the achievements that have already been made. Donna’s involvement in the play about the Compton's Cafeteria Riot is just one example of how she is actively preserving and sharing the stories of trans people who have fought for equality long before the advent of social media. Through this project, Donna becomes not only a witness to queer history but also a key figure in its documentation and celebration. The idea of capturing trans history through theatre is especially powerful. It allows for both the gravity of the subject matter and the vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community to come to life in a format that is engaging and accessible. Through this lens, Donna’s story is not just about a personal journey but also about the collective strength of the LGBTQ+ community in its fight for recognition, equality, and acceptance. While the documentary is rich in meaningful themes, it could have benefitted from a more dynamic approach in its direction. The film's style is notably subdued, with an almost cautious tone that contrasts with the larger-than-life energy one might expect from a performer and activist like Donna. The pacing, though steady, occasionally feels restrained, and the narrative lacks a certain sense of momentum that could have elevated Donna’s larger-than-life personality. Additionally, the film’s exploration of Donna’s family relationships and the challenges she faced in reconciling her authentic self with her conservative upbringing is an important aspect of her story. It is a universal message about the difficulty of staying true to oneself while navigating family dynamics. Donna’s refusal to compromise who she is for the sake of family acceptance is both empowering and relatable. 

 

Overall, "Donna" is a powerful and thoughtful film that offers a poignant reflection on the importance of trans history and self-authenticity. Through Donna’s story, we are reminded that it is never too late to embrace who you truly are and to create a meaningful impact on the world around you. Though the film’s pacing and style may not fully capture the dynamism of Donna’s personality, its emotional depth and meaningful message make it an important contribution to both trans representation in media and the broader LGBTQ+ narrative. In the end, "Donna" is a documentary about persistence, resilience, and the enduring power of self-expression. It celebrates the extraordinary life of a trans woman who has carved her own path, and it underscores the importance of remembering and honoring the history that has paved the way for future generations.

 

via: youtube

wickedqueer.org
imdb and filmcarnage.com

Image credits: YouTube