Maricones

Set in the marginal neigbourhood of Corongo and the cobblestone streets of Lima, Peru, “Maricones” unveils the many paradoxes and advances of a sexual revolution that is sweeping the world at the dawn of the 21st century. The documentary was inspired by the contradictions and preconceived assumptions of a machista society. Director/producer Marcos Arriaga challenges local beliefs by asking whether another world is possible. “Maricones” introduces us to Eusebio, 58, a gay man from the popular neighbourhood of Corongo where Marcos grew up. A former male prostitute and cabaret dancer, Eusebio is a neighbourhood personality who supports his deceased brother’s two sons through catering gigs. The second protagonist is Juan Carlos Ferrando, the son of one of Peru’s most famous television personalities. He studied film and television in Europe and at the BBC in London, where he first discovered that is was okay to be gay. Currently a drag comic performer, he owns a successful theatre and is one of the organizers of Lima’s fledgling annual Pride Parade. In Spanish with English sub-titles. Award for Best Documentary, Asturies Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Madrid, 2007