Llámenme Puta (2021), directed by Digcenia Mejías, is an insightful and intimate documentary that challenges societal prejudices surrounding sex work, particularly focusing on the lives of two trans sex workers, including Sarah, a Venezuelan woman who has spent years navigating the complexities of her profession and personal aspirations. The documentary, produced independently, offers a nuanced portrayal of Sarah’s life, blending moments of vulnerability with strength, all while shattering common stereotypes about sex workers.
At its core, Llámenme Puta is about the humanization of those often marginalized by society. The documentary follows Sarah, who, in addition to working as a sex worker, is on a deeply personal journey to achieve one of her long-held dreams: breast augmentation surgery. Through the lens of the camera, viewers witness not just Sarah's transformation, but the complexity of her daily existence, revealing how she navigates everyday activities, from cooking meals and taking taxis to running errands and exercising. In many ways, the documentary’s goal is to demystify the lives of sex workers, showing that they are not “vampires” who only come out at night to prostitute themselves, as often depicted in popular culture. Rather, they are people with full, rich lives that include mundane but equally significant moments of everyday existence.
The film allows us to see Sarah as a fully realized individual, with desires, goals, routines, and the same human experiences that anyone else might have. Digcenia Mejías, the director, expressed that her vision for the documentary was to challenge the stigmas surrounding sex work, particularly that of trans women. "The idea was to show people that sex workers are not these night-dwelling creatures, but human beings who engage in many of the same activities as anyone else," she explained in an interview. Through Llámenme Puta, Mejías seeks to foster empathy and understanding by presenting an authentic view of Sarah’s world, one that is marked by both hardship and hope.
Sarah’s story is both empowering and heartbreaking. The documentary shows us her fulfilling a dream that many people might take for granted: getting breast implants. For Sarah, this procedure is more than just a physical transformation - it is a vital step toward aligning her body with her true self, a moment of personal validation that transcends societal norms. The camera follows her closely, documenting her interactions with friends, fellow workers, and strangers, capturing her routine in all its rawness. Sarah’s life is not defined by her work alone. She enjoys the same simple pleasures many people do, such as cooking meals, strolling through the streets, and simply taking care of herself. The documentary paints a picture of a person who is, above all, human - someone who deserves respect, dignity, and autonomy. This humanizing approach to Sarah’s story highlights the complex intersection of her identity as both a trans woman and a sex worker. For too long, both groups have been treated as invisible or less-than-human by society, but Llámenme Puta seeks to challenge that narrative. Through her lens, Mejías invites us to reconsider our assumptions and biases.
Digcenia Mejías, born in Caracas, Venezuela, brings her unique perspective and voice to the world of documentary filmmaking. Mejías’s previous work includes the short film Y el Cangrejo resultó no ser inmortal, made in Mexico, which was selected for eight international festivals and won two awards at the International Social Art Film Festival (ISAFF) in Russia in 2021. Her career has been marked by a commitment to telling stories that highlight marginalized voices and shed light on often-overlooked communities. Llámenme Puta is her second major short documentary, and it has already made waves in the film world. It has been showcased at more than ten international festivals, including the International Queer Film Festival, Broadway International Film Festival in Los Angeles, Shorts México, CINEVERSATIL, and the Hollywood on the Tiber Film Awards, to name a few.
Each of these festivals has provided a platform for the documentary’s message, amplifying the voices of sex workers and trans individuals in the process. The documentary's nominations and success have solidified Mejías’s reputation as a skilled and fearless filmmaker. She was nominated for Best Documentary Short Film at the 64th Ariel Awards in 2022, where Llámenme Puta competed alongside other notable films such as En el fin del mundo, Flores de la llanura, La libertad interna, and Pepedrilo. Despite being an independent production, Llámenme Puta has garnered significant recognition, a testament to its power and the universal relevance of its themes.
The documentary’s raw portrayal of Sarah’s life comes at a crucial time when conversations around sex work, trans rights, and gender identity are becoming more urgent and widespread. In many parts of the world, people are beginning to reconsider the ways in which they view sex work - not just as a profession but as a human experience. Llámenme Puta contributes to this ongoing dialogue by showing that sex workers are not defined solely by their work but by their entire lives and identities. The film also serves as a critical reminder of the importance of intersectionality when discussing marginalized communities.
Transgender individuals, particularly trans women, face systemic discrimination in many areas, from healthcare to employment. For Sarah, navigating the world as a trans woman and sex worker has been filled with challenges, but it is also a source of empowerment. By sharing her story, Llámenme Puta invites the audience to engage with the complexity of her identity and humanity. Mejías’s film also challenges the pervasive notion that sex work is inherently exploitative. By presenting Sarah’s agency in choosing her career, the documentary opens up space for a broader discussion on autonomy, choice, and the varying experiences of sex workers. Not all sex workers face the same challenges, and not all are in need of rescue. For some, like Sarah, sex work is a means of survival, a way to live independently and on their own terms.
In recognition of its power and the story it tells, Llámenme Puta has been included in more than ten film festivals around the world. It has received praise for its honesty, compassion, and ability to cut through the noise of sensationalized portrayals of sex work in popular media. The documentary’s success has also elevated Digcenia Mejías as a filmmaker who is unafraid to tackle difficult topics with sensitivity and respect. With her nomination for Best Documentary Short Film at the 64th Ariel Awards, Llámenme Puta has become one of the most talked-about films of the year. The recognition it has garnered only serves to underscore the importance of telling stories that break down barriers and confront uncomfortable truths. As we move into a future where the visibility of trans and sex worker communities continues to grow, Llámenme Puta stands as an essential piece of cinema that contributes to a more inclusive, understanding world.
Llámenme Puta is not just a documentary about sex work - it is a documentary about life, identity, and human connection. Through Sarah’s story, the film presents a compelling narrative about the complexity of being a trans woman and sex worker in today’s world. It calls for empathy, respect, and a rethinking of the stigmas that have long been associated with sex work. Directed by Digcenia Mejías, this film does more than just shed light on the lived experiences of trans sex workers; it presents a radical shift in how we view their humanity. It is a story that transcends borders, cultures, and societal norms, urging us all to see the person behind the label, and to remember that everyone, regardless of their occupation or gender identity, deserves to be seen, heard, and respected.
Image credits: YouTube
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment