Carmen

In more repressed times, Carmen was one of Aotearoa's most colourful and controversial figures. Geoff Steven's documentary traces the life story of the transgender icon, who was born in Taumarunui in 1936. She went on to become a dancer, sex worker, cafe owner, activist, local celebrity — and one of the few non-MPs to appear before the Privileges Committee. Through telling Carmen's story, Steven shines a light on a bygone era of queer culture in New Zealand, especially that of trans women. The documentary also finds time for several ethereal fantasy sequences, featuring Georgina Buyer and Neil Gudsell (aka Mika). 

I wanted to make her accessible to the general public. People may not like what she stands for. But I hope they will see her as a person and not as the personification of evil.

– Director Geoff Steven in The NZ Herald, 20 September 1989, Section 2, Page 3

Key Cast & Crew

Dalvanius Prime

Composer

Georgina Beyer

Subject, Actor

Bayly Watson

Cinematographer

Carmen Rupe

Subject

Mika (Neil Gudsell)

As: Carmen

Geoff Steven

Director, Producer