Film Forum

Chavela Vargas (1919 – 2012): “A trailblazing free spirit whose appetite for tequila and women was as legendary as her soul-stirring vocals…  A hard-drinking rebel who shredded the prevailing stereotype of the fem and flirty, hip-swinging señorita in Mexican popular music, the singer commands the stage in passionate performances throughout CHAVELA, owning a trademark androgynous look…that made her a queer icon long before she openly defined herself as a lesbian at age 81… singing deeply felt songs of pain, solitude and lost love in a voice both rough and tender. A queer icon long before she openly defined herself a lesbian at age 81.” – David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter. Featuring Pedro Almodovar, who used Chavela’s music in his films (THE FLOWER OF MY SECRET, JULIETA) and introduced her to international concert audiences in the 1990s, when, as her manager notes, she tried as hard as she could to die on stage.

With support from the Rifkind Family Fund for Queer Cinema

MEXICO / SPAIN / USA • 2017 • 93 MINS • IN  ENGLISH AND SPANISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
MUSIC BOX FILMS

Reviews

“Legendary Mexican singer Chavela Vargas receives justifiably laudatory treatment. A love letter to a woman whose voice drew forth a song’s every emotion, and whose life as a trouser-wearing lesbian celebrity became an inspiration throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Celebrates her refusal to compromise together with her musical brilliance. Loaded with concert footage, interviews with friends, and terrific photos... Celebrates the woman and the legend.”
– Jay Weissberg, Variety

“Unmissable. Donald Trump’s ultimate nightmare - a Mexican lesbian diva who can wring your very soul. Films about the expression of agony rarely feel this uplifting.” 
– Jonathan Romney, The Guardian (UK)