Independent nonprofit filmmakers The Reporters Inc. have released The Queensa feature-length documentary celebrating the transgender women of the internationally revered Miss Continental female impersonator pageant.
Nearly a decade in the making, "The Queens" has screened at more than a dozen film festivals in five countries, garnering three Best Documentary nominations. The Reporters Inc. partnered with Vimeo on Demand to launch the film in 24 countries; it is available for streaming rental and purchase through their website at TheReporters.org.
The Miss Continental pageant was created in Chicago in 1980 by Jim Flint, owner of The Baton Show Lounge, one of the premiere female impersonator showcases in the world, which he opened in 1969.
The Queens follows contestants Tiffany, Gabby, Sunny and Naysha as they pursue their dreams of becoming the next Miss Continentalconsidered to be the most prestigious international pageant of its kind.
Mark Saxenmeyerwho, for 17 years, was the special project reporter at Chicago's Fox affiliate, WFLD-TVproduced, directed, wrote and edited the film.
Read Windy City Times' feature on The Queens at WindyCityMediaGroup.com/lgbt/Documentary-about-Miss-Continental-pageant-set-to-debut-in-Chicago/61656.html .