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Genres
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DirectorEdward Ellis
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Release Date2016
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Runtime1 hr 24 min
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LanguageEnglish
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IMDB Rating6.3 (193)
To Be a Miss is a 2016 documentary film that explores the world of beauty pageants in Venezuela, a country known for its beauty queens. The film follows three young women as they prepare to compete in the Miss Venezuela pageant, which is considered one of the most prestigious beauty pageants in the world. The first woman we meet is Andrea, a shy and reserved college student who dreams of using her beauty and intelligence to become a public figure and help women in her country. We watch as she practices her walk, her smile, and her interview skills in preparation for the pageant.
The second woman is Maira, a single mother from a poor neighborhood who sees the pageant as a way to improve her life and her daughter's future. She struggles to balance her responsibilities as a mother and her passion for pageantry, and we see her break down in tears as she talks about the sacrifices she has had to make to pursue her dream.
The third woman is Génesis, a transgender beauty queen who hopes to become the first trans woman to win the Miss Venezuela pageant. We watch as she faces discrimination and rejection from other contestants, as well as from the pageant organizers, who are hesitant to include a transgender woman in their competition.
The film also includes interviews with former beauty queens, pageant organizers, and feminist activists, who provide a broader perspective on the pageantry culture in Venezuela and the controversy surrounding the objectification of women.
Throughout the film, we see the women struggle with the pressure to adhere to traditional beauty standards, as well as the expectations of their families and society. We also see the ways in which their participation in the pageant empowers them and gives them a platform to speak out about important social issues in their country, such as domestic violence and women's rights.
Overall, To Be a Miss is a thought-provoking and nuanced look at the complex world of beauty pageants, and the women who participate in them. It raises important questions about gender, identity, and the role of beauty in society, while also celebrating the strength and resilience of the women who compete.