Kokomo City
Four Black transgender sex workers explore the dichotomy between the Black community and themselves while confronting issues long avoided.
Interview with Writer/Director D. Smith
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made Kokomo City because of so many reasons. The first reason that comes to mind is the fact that so much of the transgender narrative has been overlooked or watered down that people just aren't aware of the true experiences we live. I wanted to bring a different point of view. A relatable, believable and watchable point of view. Also, these women deserved to be heard and seen.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The audience should watch Kokomo City because It’s fresh, fun and important. Transgender stories have always been told in such a way that closes everyone in the world out. Either they’re really preachy or super sad. Kokomo City is educational but fun to watch.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
My personal and universal themes work great together. It’s a natural cohesion. People appreciate the truth. It’s easy to follow. It’s simple, everyone wants love and to be respected. A basic human need is what these girls truly want.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
It’s so funny that I was just thinking about how much the film had changed from my first day of shooting. Editing inspired me to take things a bit further. Pushed me to create better visuals and the visuals inspired better music. The film became that much more elevated and was so fun to create.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback I’ve received has been priceless. I’ve shown screeners to everyone from gang members to middle-aged white women. The responses have been the same every time! Pure excitement and wonder. I’ve shown it to Hollywood veterans that’s called it riveting and urgent.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Even though I hoped for this type of feedback, I still wasn’t prepared for it! It’s been crazy. I filmed this project with the thought “Make a film that you would wanna watch.” I did and people are responding how I hoped they'd respond.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I want people to feel that there’s something out there that’s going to shift things culturally. Something different but purposeful. I want people excited and curious about Kokomo City.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Buyers and distributors are absolutely needed but not regular ones. I want excited and fierce buyers and distributors that understand the culture. The ones that are willing to fuck some shit up!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want Kokomo City to reach people outside of the LGBT fortress. I want them to want to watch this film over and over. I want people to walk away feeling as though they’ve walked into a world that they would want to tell people about. I want this to be a cult classic.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I think acknowledging the trauma we endure as human children would be most impactful. Being coddled and emotionally supported as a black child is hard to come by. I think having a discussion about where the hate for transgender and gay people in the black community comes from would be a great starting point.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
What I will say is that the projects that are being worked on are groundbreaking, and needed.
Interview: January 2023
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Kokomo City
Four Black transgender sex workers explore the dichotomy between the Black community and themselves while confronting issues long avoided.
Director: D. Smith
Producer: Harris Doran and Bill Butler
Writer: D. Smith
Instagram: @kokomocityfilm