Nonprofit Rooftop Films presented Kokomo City in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Park.
The documentary, filmed, directed and edited by D. Smith, explores the lives and inner-thoughts of four transgender sex workers Daniella Carter, Dominique Silver, Koko Da Doll, and Liyah Mitchell in New York and Georgia. The film also includes commentary from Black cisgender men and their own connections to the transgender community. Overall, Kokomo City is a captivating work of art, due to the subjects’ raw stories combined with their storytelling abilities.
After the viewing, D. Smith herself came out to reveal more about what went into making the film, as well as her personal journey as a filmmaker. The film sprouted from humble beginnings. D. Smith casted the subjects herself through Instagram, and did literally everything herself—including sound and lighting! The film was over three years in the making before being presented to producers, but for D. the journey was well worth it.
“The opportunity just kept presenting itself for me to really do this right. And whoever any creatives out in the building or out in the park that are even remotely second guessing your ability or you know the purpose of what you’re starting or doing, I promise you. Like I can almost cry because I know I’m talking to someone in the audience.Do not be discouraged. Just trust that your ability is there for a reason. You’re thinking and seeing this for a reason. You have the right, you have the power. You have the ability. Even if you don’t have money, you have the resources. You just have to go, and the universe honestly will just grant you everything you need to get it done.”
The film is dedicated to Koko Da Doll, who was tragically murdered last April. Kokomo City is currently screening at the IFC Center and Alamo Drafthouse in Manhattan, and available for streaming on Amazon.
