Or, ‘Did you know that there are drag queens in Israel?’

The ‘Paper Dolls’ are gay, Filipino expats deemed ‘half women half men’. Marginal amongst society’s margins, their complex lives are open-heartedly revealed to us. Working as caretakers in Tel Aviv for the elderly in Orthodox Jewish communities, their temporary visas expire the moment they lose their jobs. As a result they are constantly hiding from officials eager to deport them. After work they get dismissed by prettier, more mainstream drag queens, who regard them as amateurs, and by club owners, who find new ways to humiliate and exploit them. Homophobia is expected in this environment so any sign of interest and acceptance is treated as a wonderful gift, rewarded with unfailing devotion and care.

Despite the general stance of spirited na‚àöÔøΩvet‚àöÔøΩ this documentary enthuses, it stumbles on uncharted territory, much like director Tomer Heymann, who came across the amateur cabaret troupe The Paper Dolls in an alley after one of their shows. He then went on a mission, filming issues not easily spoken about, and cultural gulfs difficult to imagine how to cross. What makes this film so compelling is his contagious fascination and emerging genuine friendships with his subjects?he even gets them an audition and talks his bewildered mum into allowing the troupe to practice at her house!

The sheer spirit of the Paper Dolls and their continuous drive toward self-expression against all odds does not fail to impress. The unlikely bonds they manage to forge with each other, with Tomer, and especially with their elderly employers in such a hostile climate send a message of hope and affirmation to flaming creatures everywhere.

This documentary offers valuable insight into extreme cultural clashes and a social cross-section of a part of the world rarely seen on the screen.