Long Live Kings
— Directed by Romi Kim
| June 22, 1pm | SUM gallery | Free |
Long Live Kings is a multi-episode series that puts a much needed spotlight on the vibrant Drag King scene on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples (aka Vancouver). Created as a response to the isolation Drag Kings often experience within drag spaces, this series uplifts the artistry and resilience of this art form with humour, heart, and fierce performance. Situated in the comfort of SUM gallery, this special screening of Long Live Kings offers a glimpse into a powerful community that has always existed—challenging norms, redefining drag, and making space on their own terms. Made by Drag Kings, Trans people, and Queers—FOR Drag Kings, Trans people, and Queers!
This screening is free but due to limited space registration is recommended.
About Romi Kim
김새로미, Romi Kim or SKIM in drag is a nonbinary, trans masc, second-generation Korean interdisciplinary artist, drag king, filmmaker, and founder of King Sized, Vancouver’s only Drag King-focused show.
Romi’s artistic approach is characterized by a playful, DIY-inspired methodology that invites audiences to ponder the intricacies of identities and their construction. With a keen focus on complicating the notion of a singular queer racialized identity, Romi challenges the mainstream narrative while giving space and visibility to trans and racialized identities.
Kim holds a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of British Columbia (2022). They have screened their video work at Seoul Indie-Ani Festival (2019), Vancouver’s Queer Film Festival (2023) Polygon Art Gallery, SUM gallery and Vines Festival.
Their work aims to think through affective belonging and placemaking as potent avenues for creating meaningful connections.