French TV: Coccinelle

Show: French TV (unknown channel)
Release Year: 1988 (to be confirmed)

In 1988, Coccinelle, born Jacqueline Charlotte Dufresnoy, gave a candid and revealing interview on a French TV channel, discussing her remarkable journey as a pioneering trans woman. This conversation delved deeply into her personal experiences and broader societal issues, offering a unique glimpse into her life. Known for her trailblazing work as a cabaret artist and as one of the first well-known trans women to undergo sex reassignment surgery, Coccinelle's reflections were not just about her personal transformation but also about the larger cultural and political context that shaped her journey.

God Save the Queens

Director: Lionel Bernard and Christophe Campos
Release Year: 1995

The documentary was aired on CANAL+ in 1995. It portrays the French community of transgender divas, their stage performances, and their interactions with society. One of the main characters is Coccinelle, also known as Jacqueline Charlotte Dufresnoy, a French actress, entertainer, and singer. She was a transgender icon, being one of the first widely publicized post-war gender reassignment cases in Europe. God Save the Queens, a compelling documentary directed by Christophe Campos and aired on CANAL+ in 1995, offers an intimate portrait of the vibrant world of transgender divas in France. This 41-minute film captures not only the artistry and performances of these individuals but also their interactions with society at large, showcasing the complex dynamics of identity, acceptance, and resilience.

European Nights

Director: Alessandro Blasetti
Release Year: 1959
Original title: Europa di notte

Europa di notte (1959), directed by Alessandro Blasetti, is a captivating, albeit unconventional documentary that takes viewers on a night-time journey through the dazzling and often illicit world of European cabaret. Through a series of vignettes set in famous nightlife spots in major European cities - London, Paris, Madrid, and Vienna - the film introduces a panorama of variety acts, including burlesque shows, dancing, magic tricks, and musical performances. It captures the spirit of post-war European entertainment, reflecting both the vibrancy and decadence of the cabaret scene that flourished during the 1950s.