No Makeup, directed by Monika Konarzewska, is a documentary that offers an intimate exploration of queer life in Iceland through the eyes of expatriate drag queens and kings. The film blends elements of documentary and performance art, showcasing the experiences of these performers as they prepare for their drag shows. The documentary became widely recognized for its poignant storytelling, winning Best LGBT Documentary at the Berlin Documentary Film Festival and earning Konarzewska the Best Director, Documentary award at the Berlin Indie Film Festival.
Konarzewska has spoken about how her film draws from personal experiences and broader social constraints. As a queer woman herself, she’s particularly inspired by the ways in which individuals navigate the restrictions imposed by both societal norms and systemic barriers. In her words, these limitations serve as a catalyst for the creativity and self-expression she captures in No Makeup. "I was so moved by how easily drag artists can talk about private traumas and then completely turn the topic into something funny,” Konarzewska shares. “Drag gives a space to express all secrets with no shame, through different mediums and in an exaggerated way." The documentary shines a light on the lives of local drag performers, including Faye Knus, Morning Starr, Hans, and Gala Noir. Each performer has their own distinct reasons for stepping into the world of drag, and each finds personal meaning in the transformative process of performance. Through these stories, No Makeup highlights the diversity of experiences and identities within the drag community.
Konarzewska, an immigrant herself, notes that Iceland is a country known for its openness and acceptance of people from various backgrounds. This welcoming atmosphere has allowed Konarzewska and many others to be their authentic selves, something she didn't always experience in her home country of Poland. In her intterview with
Grapevine, the director says: “Since childhood, I was taught that God loves everyone unconditionally. But then you hear that some people are more equal and some are less deserving to be loved,” she reflects on her upbringing in a country where religion plays a significant role in shaping public opinion. Her personal experiences with societal prejudice fuel her desire to challenge harmful stereotypes, which she hopes to address through No Makeup. “I think most of the hatred comes from the lack of knowledge,” she explains. “That’s why in this documentary, I wanted to share people’s stories to ‘un-taboo’ harmful stereotypes about them.” The film offers an opportunity for audiences to gain insight into drag culture, particularly for those unfamiliar with it, by focusing on the performers behind the makeup. One of the documentary's key messages is that drag is not confined to one rigid definition. As Konarzewska emphasizes, "There is no single definition of what drag is, it’s above any rules." The film serves as a celebration of the diversity within drag, showing that it can be a unique form of self-expression, shaped by individual identity and experience.
The documentary’s focus on intimate, behind-the-scenes moments with drag performers is central to its narrative. No Makeup goes beyond simply showcasing drag as a form of entertainment; it delves deeply into how these artists use the medium of performance to express personal struggles, emotions, and stories. Konarzewska and her team spent years capturing the nuanced layers of their subjects' lives, allowing viewers to see the performers not only as artists but as human beings. The film provides a window into their personal lives, struggles, and desires, revealing how their experiences intersect with the larger social context in which they exist. This approach allows audiences to witness the raw, unvarnished truth behind the “drag persona,” which often remains obscured by the layers of makeup and extravagant costumes.
No Makeup was a labor of love for Konarzewska, who faced significant challenges throughout the filmmaking process. The project spanned two years of shooting, with intermittent breaks, and an additional year was devoted to post-production. Konarzewska, who was working three jobs in Reykjavík at the time, did much of the work without financial backing, relying on personal dedication and resourcefulness. She also faced difficulties in securing funding, particularly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to delays and complications. "The most challenging part of making No Makeup was post-production," Konarzewska admits in the interview for
Grapevine. “In documentaries, you don’t write a script. It’s not the same as plot-based films because you have to deal with the footage you have; you can’t plan it. It was hard, but at the same time, it was one of the best moments of my life." The documentary’s structure, which is heavily reliant on real-time events and the unscripted conversations of the performers, presented its own set of unique obstacles. However, Konarzewska views the creative process as an enriching experience that helped her grow as a filmmaker.
.jpg)
The title of the documentary, No Makeup, plays a dual role in both its literal and metaphorical senses. While it references the process of preparing for a drag performance - removing makeup before the transformation - it also speaks to the broader theme of self-revelation and vulnerability. Throughout the documentary, the performers share personal stories, fears, and struggles without the shield of makeup or exaggerated personas. The camera captures moments of raw honesty, where the performers are not performing, but simply being themselves, without artifice. The film also explores how drag is a way of constructing identity - both on stage and in society. It’s an art form that allows performers to experiment with gender, expression, and emotion in ways that challenge conventional norms. As Konarzewska notes, “Drag is an exaggeration of femininity or masculinity, emotions, features, or behaviors that are not typically seen in daily life, but there is no single definition of what drag really is.” The documentary captures this fluidity, showing that drag is not simply a performance but a form of self-discovery.
Monika Konarzewska’s journey as a filmmaker is just beginning, and she is already working on her next project. Though she is tight-lipped about the specifics, Konarzewska has shared that her next film will focus on a person on the autism spectrum. She believes that when filmmaking comes from the heart, it resonates with audiences. “I strongly believe that when you are doing something from the position of your heart, you will be heard,” she affirms. In reflecting on the success of No Makeup, Konarzewska is optimistic about her future in filmmaking. "It’s just the beginning of my directing path, and I hope it will be easier after No Makeup," she says. The success of No Makeup has undoubtedly set the stage for what promises to be a compelling and impactful career in film.
No Makeup is a groundbreaking documentary that challenges conventional ideas about drag and self-expression. By focusing on the lives of drag performers in Iceland, Monika Konarzewska creates a powerful narrative that sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of those who use performance to explore and express their identities. The film serves as a poignant reminder that self-expression is not confined to a set of rules - it is an evolving, personal journey that can take many forms. Whether through the lens of drag or any other form of art, No Makeup encourages audiences to embrace the diversity of human experience and to challenge the stereotypes and limitations that often shape our understanding of others.
Image credits: filmweb.pl
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment