In recognition of Pride Month, Parrish Art Museum will be holding a screening of “KIKI” directed by Sara Jordenö. The 2016 documentary follows the stories and activism of LGBTQ youth of color within the world of Ballroom competitions in Harlem, New York City. The film dives into how the queer Ballroom space amplifies coversations surrounding the Black- and Trans-Lives Matter movements.
The film’s namesake is the artist activist group Kiki formed by a new generation of LGBTQ youth. Seven individuals from Kiki, founder Twiggy Pucci Garçon, Chi Chi, Gia, Chris, Divo, Symba, and Zariya, share their powerful stories and experiences coming of age as queer youth of color in the United States. Their dance performances at Kiki Balls allow them to express the hardships they have faced and celebrate their endurance.
Director Sara Jordenö is a New York- and Gothenburg-based Swedish visual artist and “KIKI” is their feature documentary debut. Their work often centers around their own experience with societal marginalization and identity. Jordenö’s cinematic projects have been shown internationally at acclaimed museums and film festivals such as MoMA PS1, The Kitchen, the Rotterdam International Film Festival, The Viennale, 5th Berlin Biennial, The Modern Museum, Stockholm, GIBCA, and Gothenburg.
The screening will take place in the museum’s Lichtenstein Theater on Sunday, June 26 from 2 to 4 PM. Tickets are $5 for Members, students, seniors, and children and $15 for adult non-members and can be purchased at parrishart.org. Limited tickets will also be available at the door. Guests must show proof of full vaccination to attend the event.