Carmen

In more repressed times, Carmen was one of Aotearoa's most colourful and controversial figures. Geoff Steven's documentary traces the life story of the transgender icon, who was born in Taumarunui in 1936. She went on to become a dancer, sex worker, cafe owner, activist, local celebrity — and one of the few non-MPs to appear before the Privileges Committee. Through telling Carmen's story, Steven shines a light on a bygone era of queer culture in New Zealand, especially that of trans women. The documentary also finds time for several ethereal fantasy sequences, featuring Georgina Buyer and Neil Gudsell (aka Mika).