Queen of Lapa

"Queen of Lapa's" short runtime is long enough to communicate a sense of a unique place done justice in its simultaneously gaudy and poignant essence.

Collatos and Monnerat's non-judgmental, fly-on-the-wall approach captures some remarkably intimate moments of their subjects' lives. There is barely any interjections.

Released digitally just in time for Pride, Queen of Lapa is a brilliantly put together documentary and a real insight into a hidden trade, and well worth viewing.

What emerges is an informative portrayal of transgender life, its risks and its rewards.

Their cameras feel like visitors that have been allowed into a safe haven that would otherwise have excluded them.

The Queen of Lapa is a most just ruler, indeed!

Taking its time and drifting lightly from one scene to another, this beautifully composed film really gets under the skin of its subjects, who seem marvellously at ease with the camera.