During IDFA (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam), New Metropolis Nieuw-West, in collaboration with the Prisma Group Foundation, will host the post-screening discussion of “Kokomo City” at Cinema de Vlugt. The documentary “Kokomo City” presents a powerful portrait of four Black transgender women in New York and Atlanta where violence, beauty, and wisdom compete. It explores the raw reality of earning a living through sex work, their place within the Black community, and the journey towards acceptance. Come join us, watch the film, and engage in the conversation!
Location: Cinema de Vlugt (Burgemeester de Vlugtlaan 125, 1063 BJ Amsterdam).
With the promo code NW23IDFA12, you have a chance to win one of the 400 free tickets for an IDFA screening at Theater De Meervaart or Cinema De Vlugt. How it works? Enter the promo code during the online checkout process or provide the code to a staff member at the Glazen Kas on Plein 40-45 on Wednesday, November 1. The offer is valid while supplies last. Ticket prices range from 0,- to 12,- euros.
Synopsis Kokomo City
Liyah Mitchell thought her end was near when, during foreplay, she discovered her client was armed. She didn’t hesitate for a second: she attacked him and they fought. Long story short, it turned out he was carrying the weapon purely for self-defense. So they had sex after all, and the transaction was completed.
Anecdotes like this from Daniella Carter, Koko Da Doll, Liyah Mitchell and Dominique Silver illustrate the harsh realities that go with being a sex worker—as a trans woman, as a black trans woman—in a big American city. They take stock of their place in the black community. What do their mothers think of them? The testimonies of several men about their acceptance of trans women offer glimmers of hope.
Violence, beauty, wisdom, and sex all vie for our attention in this crackling mix of performances, fictional scenes, and interviews. And all of this was shot, directed and edited by a single person: D. Smith, a transgender woman and former music producer who gives this smoky black-and-white portrait the feel of a slick video clip.
About IDFA in Nieuw-West
IDFA is also accessible in Amsterdam Nieuw-West this year! At Cinema de Vlugt and Theater de Meervaart, you can watch the best documentary films of the year, some followed by a post-screening discussion with the filmmaker(s). Additionally, all residents of Nieuw-West have the opportunity to obtain a free ticket for one of the Nieuw-West screenings.With the promo code NW23IDFA12, you have a chance to win one of the 400 free tickets for an IDFA screening at Theater De Meervaart or Cinema De Vlugt. How it works? Enter the promo code during the online checkout process or provide the code to a staff member at the Glazen Kas on Plein 40-45 on Wednesday, November 1. The offer is valid while supplies last. Ticket prices range from 0,- to 12,- euros.
About the speakers
Neysara Rai is the founder of Transgender India. She is an Indian-Dutch transgender woman and works in the IT industry.
Kaneesha Nadal is a Dutch non-binary individual from Sint-Maarten and works at a biomedical company. Kaneesha is also a former chairperson of the Prisma Group Foundation and is involved in art, music, and writing.
Leslie Rodriguez is a young activist, a transgender woman from Cuba and a former refugee. She collaborates with organizations such as Papaya Kuir, ESWA, ACS, is a member of Trans United, a staff member at the Trans Kliniek, and also serves as a host at the T Huis.
