2016,
Brazil,
Brigitte de Búzios,
Divina Valéria,
Eloína dos Leopardos,
Fujika Di Halliday,
Jane di Castro,
Portuguese,
Rogéria,
Director: Leandra Leal
Release Year: 2016
Synopsis:
"Divinas Divas" is a deeply personal documentary directed by Brazilian actress Leandra Leal, marking her debut as a filmmaker. Growing up in an artistic family, with her mother, the actress Ângela Leal, and her grandfather, Américo Leal, the owner of the iconic Teatro Rival in Rio de Janeiro, Leandra was immersed in the world of theater from an early age. Before becoming an actress herself, she spent her childhood surrounded by the artists and creative energy of Rio's vibrant theater scene. Recently, she took over the management of the Teatro Rival, a cherished family legacy, and now, with "Divinas Divas," she merges her personal history with her passion for the arts to create a poignant and visually compelling documentary.
This documentary explores the lives and careers of Brazilian drag performers who were part of the first generation of Brazilian travestis—transgender women and performers who were pioneers in the entertainment industry. Drawing from interviews conducted during a performance at the Teatro Rival in 2014, the film presents the stories of icons such as Rogéria, Jane Di Castro, Divina Valéria, Camille K, Eloína dos Leopardos, Fujika de Halliday, Marquesa, and Brigitte de Búzios. As these remarkable women reflect on their lives, the documentary also showcases their ongoing talents as they prepare for a return to the stage.
The importance of this film goes beyond the mere portrayal of these artists' stories. At a time when Brazilian society is experiencing a resurgence of conservatism, "Divinas Divas" serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and progress of the LGBTQ+ community. It is vital for illustrating that even during the repressive years of Brazil’s military dictatorship, drag artists enjoyed more visibility and recognition on stage than they do today. It highlights the ongoing fight for recognition and equality, such as the poignant story of a couple who spent 46 years fighting for the legal right to live in a stable union.
The film serves as a testament to the role of art and the artists who break barriers, challenge prejudices, and inspire change.
Leandra Leal's direction reveals her deep empathy and sensitivity, qualities that shine through in her debut as a filmmaker. Her approach to "Divinas Divas" is imbued with a personal connection to the subjects, demonstrating the same qualities that made the legendary Brazilian documentarian Eduardo Coutinho’s work so impactful. Leal’s camera captures the performers with warmth and respect, bringing their personalities and stories to life on screen. The documentary is more than just a film about transgender performers; it is about love, acceptance, and the human condition. While the film's runtime of 110 minutes may feel a bit long at times, it is clear that Leal and editor Natara Ney struggled with the decision of what to leave out, given the wealth of material and affection involved in the project.
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At its core, "Divinas Divas" is about affection—affection for the performers, for the art of theater, and for the lives they lead. The film showcases not just the history of these women but also their continued vitality as they prepare for one final performance at the Rival Theater, the venue that played such a significant role in their careers. The connection between Leandra Leal and these performers is not just professional but deeply personal. The theater where she grew up, and which her grandfather founded, was a sanctuary for these artists, a place where they could perform freely in an era when such spaces were rare.
The documentary opens with a visually striking sequence that blends art-pop influences, reminiscent of the opening credits of 1960s James Bond films, depicting the performers both before and after their transformations. Leal expertly weaves together past and present, juxtaposing archival footage of the performers in their prime with footage of them rehearsing for their return to the stage. These moments are a testament to the resilience and enduring artistry of these women, whose careers spanned decades and whose work left an indelible mark on Brazilian culture.
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One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is the diversity of perspectives within the group of performers. There is no singular "unified voice" among the Divas; instead, their differing personalities and experiences create a rich tapestry of conflict and camaraderie. As they rehearse and reflect on their lives, their personal stories and struggles emerge. Their accounts of sexuality, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating a world that often viewed them as outsiders are moving and, at times, heartbreaking. The film brings these women to life with a raw honesty that is both captivating and poignant, enhanced by excellent archival footage that underscores the complex and often bittersweet nature of their journey.
While "Divinas Divas" is filled with humor, thanks to the performers’ lively personalities and entertaining anecdotes, there is an underlying sadness and nostalgia in their stories. The film touches on themes of aging, loss, and the passage of time, particularly in a moving segment featuring Marquesa, who sings "Life is a Cabaret" with such emotion and grace that it becomes one of the film’s most touching moments.
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The film also deals with the challenges of growing older in a society that has not always embraced the performers for who they are, and this is particularly evident in Marquesa's story.
The documentary’s focus on the experiences of these trailblazing women is both a celebration of their artistic achievements and a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Brazil. The story of Jane Di Castro's 45-year relationship and her emotional moment of finally being able to legally marry her partner is a poignant reminder of the discrimination and obstacles that persist even today. The fact that it took decades for her and many others to achieve basic legal rights underscores the importance of telling these stories.
Leal’s direction is sensitive and thoughtful, capturing the complexities of the performers’ lives with great care. The film explores their personal histories, but also the cultural context in which they performed, shedding light on the vibrant world of Brazil’s drag scene in the 1960s and 1970s. At that time, the Teatro Rival was one of the few places where these artists could perform, and it became a symbol of resistance in a repressive political climate. Today, the theater still stands as a testament to that era, and through Leal’s lens, the legacy of these artists is preserved for future generations.
In many ways, "Divinas Divas" is a film about resilience—the resilience of the performers, the resilience of the art form, and the resilience of a community that continues to fight for recognition and equality. Leandra Leal’s deeply personal connection to the story, combined with her sensitivity as a director, ensures that the film is both a love letter to these artists and a powerful statement on the importance of preserving their legacy.
The final moments of the documentary, as the Divas take the stage once again, are filled with emotion and significance. The film serves not only as a tribute to these incredible performers but also as a reminder of the importance of art in challenging societal norms and bringing about change. "Divinas Divas" is a celebration of life, love, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Image credits: YouTube
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