Kokomo City film sheds light on the lives of trans sex workers

The documentary film “Kokomo City” has received acclaim for its candid and unapologetic depiction of the lives of trans women who work in the sex industry. The film, which Magnolia Pictures acquired at the Sundance Film Festival, is set to be released in U.S. theaters later this year.

Independent film-making to preserve authenticity

The film’s director, D. Smith, announced her transition in 2016 and wanted to make the film independently to avoid interference in the content. “These women have beautiful lives, stories, beautiful spirits, and it was completely untampered with, and it was in a true raw form, even ’til the end of editing,” Smith said.

Remembering Koko Da Doll

The film features trans sex workers, including Koko Da Doll, who passed away recently. Director Harris Doran expressed her grief on Facebook, calling Koko “the sweetest, kindest, and gentlest soul.” Koko’s passing highlights the dangers that trans sex workers face daily, including violence and discrimination.

The need for sex work as a means of survival

Actress and trans activist Angelica Ross, who appears in the film, spoke about the difficulties that trans women face in finding employment and the need for sex work to survive. “Many of my sisters have had to flip a dick or do a low trick to pay their bills,” Ross said. “I mean, before the opportunity came, it was survival. And so that’s how we survived.”

The positive impact of the film

The film has also positively impacted the lives of those involved. Actress Candis Cayne praised the movie for allowing trans women to tell their stories and break down stereotypes. “The more you see trans people living their lives and telling their stories, the more normalized it becomes,” Cayne said. “And that’s what we need, to be normalized and able to live our lives like anyone else.”

The film “Kokomo City” sheds light on the harsh realities faced by trans sex workers and the need for greater understanding and acceptance. Its unfiltered approach has resonated with audiences and has the potential to create positive change for the trans community.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Koko Da Doll, and what is the documentary “Kokomo City” about?

  Koko Da Doll was a transgender woman who appeared in the documentary “Kokomo City.” The film depicts the lives of transgender women, including Koko, who engage in sex work to make a living. The documentary has been praised for its candid and unapologetic portrayal of the struggles faced by transgender women in the sex industry.

• Who directed the documentary “Kokomo City”?

  The documentary “Kokomo City” was directed by D. Smith, who announced her transition in 2016. She made the film independently to avoid any interference with the content.

• What is the release plan for the documentary “Kokomo City”?

  The documentary “Kokomo City” was acquired by Magnolia Pictures at Sundance and has a planned U.S. theatrical release later in the year. Dogwoof is releasing the film in theaters in the U.K. and Ireland on August 4th.

• What did Harris Doran say about Koko Da Doll’s death?

  Harris Doran, one of the producers of “Kokomo City,” wrote on Facebook that he was grief-stricken over the loss of Koko Da Doll. He described her as the sweetest, kindest, and gentlest soul and expressed that the tragedy was unbearable to process.