City of Queens

Director: Matt Timmiss
Release Year: 2020

"City of Queens," directed by Matt Timmiss, is a compelling and gritty documentary that provides an unfiltered look into the lives of seven London drag queens. Released in 2021, the film has not only captivated audiences in the UK but also gained international recognition, with a distribution deal secured by major platforms like Peacock, Sky, NowTV, Sky Italia, and Paramount 10 Play. The documentary paints a rich, multifaceted picture of drag culture in London, delving far beyond the glamorous, sharp-tongued personas that are often associated with the art form.

 

The spark for the film came from an upsetting incident that left a lasting impact on Timmiss. The documentary began with a raw and disturbing video shared on Facebook Live, showing Timmiss’s friend, Elric (known as Chai Latte in drag), being violently attacked on a London bus. Elric was targeted simply for existing in drag. This wasn't the first time he had experienced such an attack, but it marked a turning point for Timmiss, who wanted to create a film that explored the real lives behind the drag personas. The moment became the film’s opening sequence, setting the tone for the powerful stories of resilience and defiance that follow. Elric’s response to the attack - vowing to return to the streets “more glittery and fabulous” - became a symbol of the unyielding strength of the drag queens featured in the documentary. This attitude of resilience amidst adversity is a central theme in the film, which seeks to portray the queens not as victims but as individuals empowered by their art. 

 

"City of Queens" stands out because it doesn’t merely focus on the glamour of drag. Instead, it reveals the raw, human side of the performers, often overlooked in traditional portrayals of the drag scene. The documentary contrasts the fun, flamboyant world of drag with personal stories of abuse, trauma, and the incredible strength required to pursue this art form. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes moments, viewers get a sense of the grit that fuels the drag queens' vibrant performances. The film goes behind the makeup and costumes to expose the emotional realities of these queens’ lives, from struggles with identity and family acceptance to coping with physical and verbal assaults. What emerges is not a tragedy, but a testament to the queens’ resilience and their ability to transform hardship into art. This authenticity and complexity have made "City of Queens" an essential contribution to queer cinema. 

 

For Timmiss, a first-time feature-length director, the success of "City of Queens" has been deeply gratifying. The journey from conceptualization to completion was a challenging one, but the film’s success has been beyond expectations. The documentary’s international reception has been particularly gratifying, with distribution deals signed with major platforms like Peacock in the US, Sky UK, NowTV, and Paramount Australia. Timmiss’s dedication to ensuring the documentary reached the right audience - especially the young queer community - has paid off, as the film has sparked important conversations about drag culture and queer identity around the world. The acquisition of the documentary by Peacock has not only brought the film to a broader audience but has also led to plans for a follow-up series. Timmiss is now looking to expand the "City of Queens" concept by exploring drag cultures in different US cities, further cementing the film’s impact on the global stage. 

 

Through Drag Timmiss’s decision to focus on humanizing drag queens - rather than sensationalizing them - was a driving force behind the documentary. In a world where queer stories are often told through a lens of trauma, Timmiss wanted to show the strength and courage that drag provides. Drag queens, as portrayed in "City of Queens," are not just performers - they are individuals navigating complex personal histories, using drag as a form of expression, self-therapy, and empowerment. The film shows how these queens use their performances to overcome past traumas, rather than being defined by them. Throughout the documentary, viewers witness the emotional, physical, and creative processes behind the queens’ transformations. Their art, whether in the form of elaborate costumes or cutting-edge performances, is not just a form of entertainment; it’s a means of survival. It is a way for the queens to redefine their identities, reclaim their power, and celebrate their uniqueness in the face of adversity. 

 

One of the most moving moments in the documentary comes from a scene featuring Elric’s mother, Alby, who had never seen her son in drag before. In a poignant moment, Alby expresses her fear for her son’s safety, given the violence he’s faced, yet she also expresses her unwavering support. This emotional scene captures the profound love and acceptance that can emerge from the most challenging of circumstances, highlighting the role that family can play in a queer person’s journey. The acceptance and support Elric receives from his mother are a testament to the transformative power of unconditional love. Behind-the-scenes moments from the drag scene also bring a sense of fun and excitement to the documentary. Filming at the legendary Sink the Pink events and in the changing rooms at The Glory, viewers get a glimpse of the vibrant, chaotic energy that defines London’s drag scene. The documentary captures not only the highs of drag performances but also the personal relationships, rivalries, and camaraderie that exist behind the scenes. 

 

Through "City of Queens," Timmiss hopes to convey a simple but powerful message: drag is about more than just makeup, wigs, and catchphrases. For those who perform it, drag offers a freedom of expression that allows individuals to shed societal expectations and explore their true selves. The documentary encourages viewers to celebrate drag, not just as a form of performance but as a vital and liberating art form. Timmiss hopes the film will inspire more people to try drag, attend live drag shows, or at the very least, appreciate the queens who have the courage to perform and express themselves authentically. Looking ahead, Timmiss plans to expand the "City of Queens" concept, starting with a potential US-based follow-up series. He envisions a six-part documentary exploring drag scenes across various American states, highlighting the unique relationships each city has with drag and the LGBTQ+ community. By focusing on different locations and cultures, Timmiss aims to continue exploring the diversity of drag and the human stories behind it. The documentary’s success has also opened doors for Timmiss to further explore queer narratives. His past work, including music videos for artists like Ava Max and Charli XCX, has continued to showcase his unique perspective on queer culture and performance. Beyond film, Timmiss has also expanded his creative talents into paper sculpture, creating intricate headpieces that have been showcased internationally. 

 

At its core, "City of Queens" is a personal project for Timmiss. Growing up in a world where queer representation was limited, he has always felt a deep need to tell stories that reflect the diversity and richness of the LGBTQ+ experience. "City of Queens" is not just a film about drag; it is about breaking down the barriers that often isolate queer individuals and creating space for their voices to be heard. For Timmiss, the success of the film is a step toward creating more diverse and inclusive representations of queer life in media. "City of Queens" is more than just a documentary about drag queens. It is an exploration of identity, resilience, and the power of self-expression. Through the lens of eight extraordinary London drag queens, Timmiss takes viewers on a journey into the heart of a vibrant and diverse queer community. The film’s success speaks to the universal appeal of these stories, and its international impact has opened up new possibilities for future projects. As "City of Queens" continues to reach new audiences worldwide, it is clear that this is just the beginning for Matt Timmiss and the drag queens who have inspired this groundbreaking documentary.

 

via: youtube

 timmiss.com and lbbonline.com

Image credits: YouTube