Why you have to be Black and gay

“If you are Black and gay in South Africa, then it really is all the same closet…inside is darkness and oppression. Outside is freedom.” – Simon Tseko Nkoli

This captivating documentary traces the remarkable journey of Odidi Odidiva, a globally celebrated drag queen, from his early years to the development of his vibrant drag persona in the midst of South African apartheid. Through an intimate exploration, viewers are taken on a poignant voyage that unveils the challenges, triumphs, and transformation that Odidi experienced as he navigated a world marked by oppression and inequality. Delving into the shadows of history, this film illuminates the captivating evolution of Odidi’s artistry and the indomitable spirit that defied the constraints of a divided society.

Why you have to black and gay film poster

Film Credits

Director

Holly Lehren

Holly Lehren is an award-winning student filmmaker at The New School, an Assistant Editor Intern for TASTE, an international food documentary series, and the former Artistic Associate at Luna Stage in West Orange, NJ. She graduated with honors in 2019 from Muhlenberg College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Theatre. She is a 2020 and 2021 Fulbright Scholarship Semi-Finalist for South Africa’s Open Study/Research Award to study documentary filmmaking in Cape Town, South Africa.

Giff-2023-Silver-Award-SDoco

Credits

Anton Kleynscheldt - Cinematography
Odidi Odidiva - Music
Odidi Odidiva - Narration

Specifications

Genré: Documentary
Runtime: 16 minutes 35 seconds
Country of Origin: United States

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