Donna

Ecstatic lipsynching in downtown bars is a far cry from Donna’s Baptist upbringing in San Jose; now in her seventies, her estranged siblings haven’t even seen her in a dress.

Rather than describe the eponymous character as an activist, I think I'd sooner attribute her more as a persuader. Donna Personna is in their early seventies by now, and takes us on quite a personal - and frank - history not just of their own struggles for acceptance, but of quite an interesting parallel development of society and community over a timeframe that has altered significantly since youth. Familial relationships and attitudes are challenged. Some evolve a little, some simply entrench - and what is empowering about Donna is that there is a distinct lack of anger, rancour or bitterness. It's not a saintliness by any means either, but this is as much about a personal life of exploration and search for inclusion as it is about convincing others of the merits of the case it subtly puts forward. It's warts and all - sometimes this is an engaging and friendly individual, other times an abject pain in the butt. Just like all of the rest of us, really! I can't say I loved the drag routines. Brave and courageous from an identity perspective - undoubtedly; demonstrative of much entertainment talent - well I can't say that Tina Turner (whom I was reminded of at times, allowing for the colour differential) would have had too much to worry about. This is an entertaining and informative documentary about a real person trying to prove by words and deeds that they are no different to anyone else. They have the same worries and fears, hopes and aspirations - and by the conclusion, Donna came across as a person who'd be equally great and a nightmare to live next door to - but it'd never be boring!