The Alternative Miss World

This documentary captures the flamboyant and eccentric "Alternative Miss World" competition held in London in 1979. It showcases a vibrant underground culture where contestants, often drag queens and performance artists, compete in a series of unconventional and artistic challenges, celebrating individuality and challenging traditional beauty standards. The film offers a glimpse into the avant-garde performance scene of the era, highlighting creativity, humor, and defiance.

While not a mainstream release, The Alternative Miss World has been critically appreciated for its unique insight into a specific subculture and its artistic expression. It's often lauded for its raw energy, visual style, and celebration of queer and counter-culture aesthetics. Critics have noted its importance as a historical document of a particular moment in performance art and LGBTQ+ history.

• Praised for its vibrant and unconventional portrayal of the drag and performance art scene.

• Celebrated as a significant historical document of counter-culture and queer expression.

• Lauded for its unique visual style and fearless embrace of individuality.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to its niche nature, but those available generally appreciate its raw, authentic depiction of an underground artistic movement and its contribution to LGBTQ+ cultural history.

The competition was famously won by the artist Leigh Bowery, who became a prominent figure in London's club scene and later collaborated with bands like the Pop Group and Sigue Sigue Sputnik.