Zhenya Tsoy is a drag artist who impersonates the grandees of Russian pop. He has a large following and is much in demand. Despite this, life as a drag artist in Russia is challenging. Tsoy is a diva who lives for his art, earning a living at festivals and in night clubs but also giving his time for free helping the marginalised, such as the inmates of psychiatric institutions. This documentary provides a unique insight into the realities of LGBTQ life in today’s Russia. By Director Matvey Troshinkin.

Zhenya lives with his common-law husband Maxim, a bus-driver. Maxim dreams about owning their own house not far from Moscow, away from the stress and homophobia of the capital. Do they have a chance at creating a family nest in a country where being gay is problematic?

2015, Russia, 75 min Russian (with English subtitles)

CAST

Evgeny Tsoy, Maxim Karabasov, Vladimir Bulatov, Denis Ilyashov, Petr Sergeev, Jay Moor, Elena Vyacheslavovna, Marina Tarasova, Alexandr Belorunov, Kristina Alexandrova, Maxim Levashov

CREW

Director: Matvey Troshinkin

Screenplay: Matvey Troshinkin
Cinematographer: Matvey Troshinkin
Producers: Maria Chuprinskaya