Gabriela Leite

A KISS FOR GABRIELA tells the story of a remarkable woman named Gabriela Leite. An activist for sex workers’ rights for over 30 years, Gabriela was the first sex worker to run for Brazilian Congress. The documentary presents an intimate portrait of her 2010 campaign when she faced 822 opponents and challenged a male dominated political system. Combining an observational style with unrestricted access, it explores what it means to be a prostitute, to be a wife, and most importantly, what it means for a woman representing one of the most stigmatized populations in the world to run for office. Gabriela’s charisma and amazing history of activism engages audiences and encourages them to reflect critically on laws and policies that restrict the rights and possibilities of women like Gabriela globally. For women like Gabriela who make history and challenge stereotypes with their campaigns, it is not whether they win or lose, or even how they play. It’s that they’re in the game at all.

‘Amores de Rua’ questions the attitude towards sexuality espoused by a society in which sex workers fight for the right to citizenship. The film travels through Vila Mimosa, Praça Mauá and erotic nightclubs frequented by all genders, where performers mouth along to camp hits. The film presents a discussion about sexuality based on testimonies from sex workers, transgender women and representatives of associations including Euridice Coelho (then president of the Association of Prostitutes of Rio de Janeiro) and Gabriela Silva Leite (from the organisation Vida Prostituição, Direitos Civis e Saúde).