Gay Film Fest: Paper Dolls June 22, 2006

In Israel, as in many other industrialized countries, tasks such as housework or caring for the elderly are often delegated to foreign workers. When the second Intifada began, Israel closed its borders to workers from Palestinian territories who in previous years had taken the country's worst-paid jobs. This policy left a hole in the Israeli job market, and so the authorities began to encourage workers from other parts of the world to immigrate to Israel to fill these new vacancies.

Among those who answered the call are Philippine transsexuals. Like other emigres before them, they decided to leave their homeland in search of a better life; some had been cast out of their families because of their sexual orientation. Their new jobs are by no means easy; in fact, they are often very demanding, both physically and mentally. They work, often round the clock, looking after elderly, orthodox Jewish men whose daily lives they share and whom they often feed and wash. Many of these caregivers develop warm, personal relationships with their employees, who often come to look on them as substitute children.

But one evening during the week the caregivers enjoy a night off. This is when they are free to live out their personal dreams, appearing as drag queens in Tel Aviv. "Paper Dolls" is the name of their ensemble, and though the troupe's members enjoy Israel's liberal atmosphere, they are still outsiders.

Official Website: http://www.frameline.org/festival/30th/filmsevents.html