‘Mala Mala,’ Acclaimed Doc on Trans Lives in Puerto Rico, Opens in NYC

‘Mala Mala’ (2014)

Antonio Santini and Dan Sickles ‘ critically-acclaimed documentary, Mala Mala (2014), will makes its theatrical debut at New York City’s IFC Center today, July, 1st through Strand Releasing.

Through the lives of nine people in Puerto Rico’s trans and drag communities, the film explores self-discovery and activism over the course of three years.

It features a diverse collection of subjects that include LGBTQ activists, business owners, sex workers, and a boisterous group of drag performers who call themselves “The Doll House,” in an effort to present a fight for personal and community acceptance paved with triumphant highs and devastating lows.

Executive produced by Killer Films’ Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler , and produced by Santini and Sickles’ El Peligro Productions , Mala began its festival run with a world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.

“We are very proud of ‘Mala Mala’ and excited to get it out into the world with longtime friends and collaborators at Strand,” said executive producer Christine Vachon. “The IFC Center is the clear choice for New Yorkers to see this important and necessary film.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with Dan and Antonio,” said Strand Releasing’s Jon Gerrans and Marcus Hu. “They have the spirit, vitality and energy and a keen eye, something that is so rare these days and obviously their partnership with Killer Films on this project means a lot.”

Santini added, “We hope this Puerto Rican trans fairytale adds force to the new transliberation movement and finally sparks the conversation about the United States’ complex relationship with its colony, Puerto Rico. Young Latinos are in need of more stories that help them understand and appreciate their culture and roots. Why not aspire to be like the nine trans people in the film? I do.”

The IFC screenings will include a Q&A with filmmakers and stars in person on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at the 7:15pm show; filmmakers in conversation with Christine Vachon and Killer Films on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at the 7:15pm show; and filmmakers and star April Carrion on Friday, July 3, 2015 at the 8:25 show.

Check out the new trailer for Mala Mala below and get tickets at ifccenter.com (323 Sixth Avenue at West Third Street).