Film Lens
How Do I Look is a 2006 documentary directed by Wolfgang Busch that chronicles ball culture in Harlem and Philadelphia over a ten-year period. The film features interviews with ball legends such as Willi Ninja, Kevin UltraOmni, and Octavia St. Laurent, capturing their experiences and the evolution of ball culture since its inception during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s. The documentary addresses the prejudices faced by its subjects due to their sexuality and race, providing a platform for their voices and experiences.
The film also critiques the portrayal of the ball community in the earlier documentary Paris Is Burning, with cast members expressing feelings of exploitation. How Do I Look aims to provide a more balanced representation, with assistant directors Kevin Omni and Luna Khan being members of the Ballroom community. The documentary has been used in educational settings and has gained recognition through independent screenings and film festivals.
Why Watch
- •Meet ball legends like Willi Ninja and Carmen Xtravaganza.
- •Find out how ball culture influenced mainstream artists.
- •See the impact of HIV and AIDS on the community.
Did You Know
•Wolfgang Busch began filming in 1995 and continued for ten years.
•The film premiered at NewFest Film Festival in June 2006.
•Many subjects featured died of AIDS during or shortly after filming.
•How Do I Look was released on DVD in the United States.
Perfect For
Ball culture enthusiastsLGBTQ+ historyDocumentary fans