Casa Roshell

Director: Camila José Donoso
Release Year: 2017

"Casa Roshell," a 2017 documentary by Chilean filmmaker Camila José Donoso, stands as a powerful and intimate exploration of gender identity, the fluidity of self-expression, and the safety that can be found in chosen communities. Set in a transformative and vibrant space in Mexico City, Casa Roshell is a private club where men can transform into women, not only through physical appearances but also by assuming new roles, attitudes, and identities. The film, much like the club it documents, is an exploration of freedom, liberation, and solidarity within the transgender and transvestite communities.

 

Casa Roshell is not just a physical venue but a symbolic space where the rigid norms of gender identity and expression are shattered. The club is run by Roshell Terranova, a larger-than-life figure who has created a sanctuary for men who want to explore femininity and express themselves beyond the confines of traditional gender roles. It is a space where men can come, dress as women, and adopt new personas, free from judgment and societal expectations. Roshell’s club provides an oasis for those who may feel confined by the outside world’s definitions of masculinity and femininity. Inside Casa Roshell, the air is filled with camaraderie and transformation. Men, many of whom lead ordinary lives with demanding jobs and relationships, find solace here, temporarily escaping their everyday struggles and transforming into their true selves. This transformation is not just physical but emotional and psychological as well. With the help of Roshell and other members, they embrace their feminine identities, gaining confidence and strength in the process. 

 

Donoso’s "Casa Roshell" is marked by its observational approach, allowing viewers to witness the intimate process of transformation as the men in the club go through the stages of dressing, makeup, and performance. From the early moments of applying makeup and styling wigs in front of mirrors to the more flamboyant moments of interaction and celebration, the documentary unfolds in a way that feels raw, authentic, and intimate. The camera moves through the club's space, capturing the candid moments and the palpable sense of belonging that emerges as the night progresses. This observational style mirrors the experience of the clubgoers, who are seen engaging in the rituals of the space - dressing, rehearsing, laughing, and sharing moments of personal reflection. The film’s rhythm slows down during these moments of transformation, emphasizing the meticulous care that goes into crafting one’s new identity. The camera lingers, making viewers feel like a fly on the wall, quietly observing these moments of vulnerability and empowerment. 

 

At the heart of "Casa Roshell" is Roshell Terranova, the charismatic and beloved owner of the club. Roshell is not just the club’s owner; she is a mentor, a guide, and a source of inspiration to the men who come to Casa Roshell. Through her nurturing guidance, she helps them navigate their transformations, teaching them how to walk, talk, and carry themselves with newfound confidence. She is a symbol of empowerment, a mother figure in a space where men can become the women they feel themselves to be. Roshell’s personal story is woven throughout the film, providing context to the broader narrative of transgender and transvestite experiences in Mexico. The documentary offers a window into her own life as she reflects on the challenges she has faced, including societal rejection, violence, and discrimination. Yet, through it all, she has managed to create a thriving community that rejects the conventions of mainstream society and embraces the beauty of self-expression in all its forms. 

 

One of the central themes of "Casa Roshell" is the exploration of gender identity and the fluidity of masculinity and femininity. The documentary captures conversations and moments of reflection on the nature of gender and sexuality, allowing for a deeper understanding of the struggles and joys that come with embracing a non-conforming identity. The club’s patrons include men who are experimenting with femininity in varying degrees, some of whom identify as heterosexual, while others are more openly queer. The film provides insight into how people challenge the binary understanding of gender and how Casa Roshell becomes a place for individuals to define and perform their identities on their own terms. A particularly poignant moment occurs when one man explains that he comes to Casa Roshell not because he is gay, but because inside the club, the people he interacts with are "ladies," regardless of their biological sex. This commentary speaks to the broader issue of societal expectations surrounding gender and sexuality and how Casa Roshell serves as a refuge from these constraints. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Casa Roshell is more than just a club or a space for sexual exploration - it is a community where acceptance and freedom reign. The patrons, many of whom come from marginalized backgrounds, find solace and understanding in each other’s company. They form deep bonds, offering mutual support in a world that often marginalizes them. 

 

Though "Casa Roshell" is an observational documentary, it does not shy away from addressing the political dimensions of transgender and transvestite experiences. The film underscores the importance of safe spaces for trans and non-binary individuals in a world that often sees them as "other." Roshell Terranova’s speech in the documentary, where she recalls the early struggles of the transgender community and the challenges they faced in a society that viewed their existence as criminal, sets the stage for understanding the socio-political context of the film. Donoso also touches upon the idea of "transfeminism" and how Casa Roshell becomes a space for empowerment and resistance. In a country like Mexico, where violence against the transgender community is a constant threat, Casa Roshell serves as an act of defiance. It provides a safe environment free from violence, shame, or marginalization. The documentary gently critiques the systems that oppress transgender individuals, while also celebrating the ways in which the club’s patrons reclaim their agency and freedom. 

 

Camila José Donoso’s directorial approach in "Casa Roshell" is steeped in visual beauty and artistic flair. The documentary often adopts the visual aesthetics of a film noir, with its dark, moody lighting, glossy surfaces, and the shimmer of sequins and glitter. The atmosphere of Casa Roshell is akin to an arcadia of freedom, where the beauty of trans identity is celebrated in every moment. The camera captures this visually rich world, bringing to life the vibrant personalities of the club’s patrons. The use of color, particularly in the neon lights and the glamorous costumes, gives the film an almost dreamlike quality. This is a space where reality is fluid, and the boundaries between fantasy and reality are blurred. It’s an environment that is both exaggerated and sincere, with moments of melodrama and playfulness balanced by deep emotional resonance. In this way, Donoso creates an aesthetic that mirrors the lives of the people within the club - bold, colorful, and unapologetically free. 

 

"Casa Roshell" is a documentary that offers more than just a window into the lives of transgender and transvestite individuals - it is a celebration of freedom, self-expression, and the transformative power of community. The film shines a light on the beauty of self-discovery, highlighting the importance of creating spaces where people can be true to themselves, away from the judgment and constraints of the outside world. In capturing the vibrant world of Casa Roshell, Camila José Donoso brings to the forefront stories of resilience, solidarity, and love. The film is a powerful reminder that identity is fluid, and that everyone, regardless of gender or sexuality, deserves to find a space where they can be their most authentic selves. As much as "Casa Roshell" explores the intricacies of gender, it also highlights the universal human need for belonging, acceptance, and the freedom to be who we are. Through its delicate portrayal of a unique and often marginalized community, "Casa Roshell" not only serves as a documentation of a particular subculture but also as a call to embrace the diversity of human experience. It invites viewers into a world where gender is not a fixed concept but a spectrum of possibilities, where the performance of identity becomes an act of empowerment and defiance, and where community and solidarity offer the promise of freedom.

 

via: youtube

 theupcoming.co.uk and desistfilm.com and mubi

Image credits: YouTube