THEY

WILL BE

QUEENS

THEY WILL BE QUEENS honours the enduring legacy of Cape Town’s queer and trans histories through Salon Kewpie: The Legacy Project, a week-long ballroom celebration of queer youth, culture and resilience.

PREVIEW

ABOUT

THEY WILL BE QUEENS is a vibrant feature-length documentary that resurrects the spirit of Kewpie, a trans icon from Apartheid-era District Six, through the electrifying lens of Salon Kewpie: The Legacy Project

The film weaves together archival treasures with the raw energy of a contemporary celebration, exploring the transformative power of remembrance and the enduring spirit of queer resistance.

THEY WILL BE QUEENS resurrects trans icon Kewpie's legacy from Apartheid-era District Six through Salon Kewpie: The Legacy Project. Culminating in a ball extravaganza, the film celebrates queer resilience and the transformative power of reclaiming heritage, showcasing the enduring impact of Kewpie's legacy.

SIGNIFICANCE

THEY WILL BE QUEENS explores themes of resilience, resistance, and the power of chosen families. It highlights the importance of preserving queer history and celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Cape Town's LGBTQIA+ culture. The film also addresses the challenges faced by marginalised communities, particularly young, black, queer youth, and underscores the importance of fostering understanding and acceptance.

THEY WILL BE QUEENS is intended for a diverse audience, including the LGBTQIA+ community, historians, researchers, youth, educators, and the general public interested in South African cultural stories. Specifically, the film will resonate with young LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking representation and inspiration, as well as those interested in learning about South African history and culture.

In a global climate where queer rights and wellbeing are increasingly under threat, THEY WILL BE QUEENS becomes a powerful affirmation of South Africa's commitment to human rights and inclusivity. Despite the rising tide of intolerance and discrimination seen in various parts of the world, this film will showcase the resilience and vibrancy of the South African LGBTQIA+ community. It will serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, our people remain dedicated to upholding the principles of equality and dignity for all. As this film travels, it will show the world the strength of our diverse communities, and our nation's dedication to protecting them.

THEY WILL BE QUEENS is a vital documentary that will not only preserve a crucial chapter in South African history but also inspire and empower audiences around the world. It is a testament to the enduring power of queer joy and a celebration of resilience in the face of adversity.

CAST

RUTH RAMSDEN-KARELSE

CC
MARTINEZ

DIRECTOR

ZOEY BLACK is an indigenous transgender queer woman of colour living in Cape Town, South Africa. She is a queer renaissance and culture documentarian, using film and photography to tell authentic and engaging queer stories.

Her unique work is focused on creative mediums as critical vehicles for social change and is dedicated to advancing the discourse on queer human rights around the world.

a ZOEY BLACK documentary

Gamut 1 presents

in association with The National Film and Video Foundation and the House of Black

THEY WILL BE QUEENS

Produced and Directed by ZOEY BLACK

© 2025 Gamut 1. All rights reserved.

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