Chronicling the harsh reality of Black trans sex work, Kokomo City is a sexually explicit and meditative portrait of four transwomen trying to survive in NYC and Atlanta – yes, survive. Sadly, one of these women, Koko Da Doll, was fatally shot earlier this year. Their stories are raw and unfiltered, shedding light on the violent realities of their daily existence. Often depicted lying on a bed or preening into the mirror while getting ready, these women talk intimately about their experiences, as if confiding in a close friend. Their stories touch on themes of societal non-acceptance, the complex dynamics they face with straight-seeming men who consort with them, and the challenging decision of whether to pass as their authentic gender. Each woman’s story is her own, but taken together, the film underscores the harsh reality that these women face in a world that is quick to exploit and abuse them. (2023) — Ryan Brothers
This movie is not currently in theaters.