Kokomo City

2023, Daniella Carter, Dominique Silver, English, Koko Da Doll, USA,

Director: D. Smith
Release Year: 2023

Synopsis:

"Kokomo City" (2023), directed by D. Smith, is a striking documentary that challenges viewers to confront the harsh realities of Black trans women’s lives, particularly those navigating the world of sex work. At its core, the film is an intimate portrait of four women—Daniella Carter, Dominique Silver, Koko Da Doll, and Liyah Mitchell—who share their personal stories of survival, resilience, and the challenges they face as Black transgender sex workers in both New York and Georgia. Released theatrically in July 2023 by Magnolia Pictures, the documentary has already garnered critical acclaim for its unfiltered, unapologetic portrayal of its subjects and the complexities of their lives.

 

D. Smith's Personal Journey D. Smith, a two-time Grammy-nominated musician and trans activist, crafted "Kokomo City" as an exploration of the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and survival. Smith, who was once a successful producer in the music industry, had her career derailed after transitioning. Forced out of the industry, she found herself homeless and struggling. This personal experience of marginalization fueled her desire to create a documentary that would give voice to Black trans women, particularly those involved in sex work. The idea for the film came to Smith when she began to wonder what would have happened had she been forced into sex work as a means of survival—an experience that she, like many marginalized people, was confronted with while facing limited economic opportunities.

 

This introspection led Smith to seek out Black trans women who were already engaged in sex work, wanting to document their stories and amplify their voices. Despite facing her own financial and personal hardships, Smith began the project with a sense of urgency. The film was shot with the help of a community of supporters who lent her a camera and a laptop, allowing her to begin capturing the lives of the women who would become the documentary's subjects. To ensure a sense of comfort and intimacy, Smith connected with the women through platforms like Instagram and YouTube, creating an environment where they could speak candidly, free of judgment or outside pressure. "Kokomo City" is more than just a documentary; it's an act of reclamation. It provides a platform for Black trans women to tell their stories in their own words, with dignity and grace, without the filter of societal stigmas or sensationalism. The four women featured—Daniella Carter, Dominique Silver, Koko Da Doll, and Liyah Mitchell—speak openly about the violence and discrimination they face daily, the complex dynamics of their relationships with family, and the ways in which they navigate the intersecting oppressions of racism, transphobia, and sexism.

 

One of the documentary’s strengths is the rawness with which these women share their experiences. There is no sugarcoating or sanitization here. From tales of rejection by their families to the dangers of their work, the women speak with candidness that both challenges and captivates. Yet, amid the hardships, "Kokomo City" is also a celebration of their beauty, joy, and self-determination. The film doesn't just document their suffering; it highlights their strength, their wit, and their resilience in the face of a world that constantly seeks to marginalize them. Smith’s decision to use black-and-white cinematography enhances the film's striking emotional weight, creating a sense of timelessness and intimacy. The lack of color draws attention to the subjects' expressions, their body language, and the rawness of their stories—forcing viewers to confront the full humanity of these women without distraction. This stylistic choice also gives the documentary an almost dreamlike quality, at once personal and universal, while amplifying the power of its narrative.

 

At the heart of "Kokomo City" are the themes of gender identity, violence, and beauty. The women in the film candidly discuss the violence they face—both physical and emotional—often at the hands of the very people and communities they trust. Many of them have been victims of hate crimes, both as trans women and as sex workers, yet they persist, determined to carve out spaces where they can exist on their own terms. The documentary does not shy away from the ugliness of these realities but also makes space for moments of levity and humor, showing that the women, despite the odds, still find joy in their lives. Smith also touches on a recurring theme within the film: the tension between masculinity and femininity, particularly in the context of Black trans women’s relationships with men. This is explored through interviews with Black men, who share their views on the women’s experiences and the broader societal issues at play. These interviews provide insight into the complex ways in which Black trans women navigate romantic and sexual relationships, as well as the often fraught dynamics within the Black community. Throughout the film, beauty is another key theme. In an industry that often dehumanizes and commodifies women, especially trans women, Smith presents her subjects as radiant and unapologetically beautiful. The women speak of their relationship with their own bodies—how they’ve come to embrace their physical selves, despite society's efforts to shame them. Their beauty is not just physical but deeply personal, defined by their self-expression and the resilience they exhibit in the face of adversity.

 

The reception of "Kokomo City" has been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its unflinching honesty and its focus on Black trans women’s lived experiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the documentary holds a remarkable 99% approval rating, with critics noting its vibrant, authentic depiction of marginalized lives. The film has also received accolades at prestigious film festivals, including the Panorama Audience Award at the Berlin International Film Festival and the NEXT Audience and Innovator Awards at the Sundance Film Festival. Peter Debruge of "Variety" praised the film for its innovative blend of visuals, music, and storytelling, while Lovia Gyarkye of "The Hollywood Reporter" called it a powerful exploration of the intersection between gender, race, and sexuality. Critics also lauded the film’s ability to challenge traditional documentary formats and create space for its subjects to tell their stories on their own terms. According to "Out"'s Mey Rude, "Kokomo City" is a rare example of Black trans women being given the chance to speak for themselves, unapologetically and without compromise. The film’s success has elevated D. Smith as an important voice in both the documentary and LGBTQ+ spaces. As "IndieWire"’s Jude Dry noted, the documentary is not just a work of social commentary but a declaration—an announcement that Smith has arrived to change the game.

 

In "Kokomo City," D. Smith does more than just shed light on the struggles of Black trans women; she creates a space for them to tell their own stories in their own words. The film is a bold, unapologetic reclamation of space for marginalized voices, a celebration of trans joy, and a call to action for broader societal change. As the world continues to grapple with issues of gender identity, race, and sexuality, "Kokomo City" offers a timely and deeply necessary exploration of the lives of Black trans sex workers—presenting their stories with the dignity, respect, and complexity they deserve. For anyone seeking to better understand the lives of Black trans women, especially those working in the sex industry, "Kokomo City" is an essential watch—powerful, raw, and profoundly human.

 

via: youtube

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Image credits: YouTube