Being BeBe
Being BeBe

Movie spotlight

Being BeBe

2021
Movie
94 min
English

The intimate journey and unpublished backstory of BeBe Zahara Benet – a charismatic drag performer originally from Cameroon, and the very first winner of the culture-changing phenomenon, RuPaul’s Drag Race. With over a decade of unprecedented access, we observe BeBe’s struggles with celebrity, authenticity, success, and failure.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users95%
Director: Emily BradyGenres: Documentary, LGBTQ+

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the life and career of BeBe Zahara Benet, the winner of the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race. It delves into her journey from Cameroon to Minneapolis, exploring her artistic evolution and her experiences as a Black immigrant drag queen in America. The film highlights her resilience, creativity, and the challenges she has overcome throughout her illustrious career.

Critical Reception

Being BeBe has been widely praised by critics and audiences for its intimate portrayal of BeBe Zahara Benet's life and artistry. Reviewers lauded the film for its heartfelt storytelling, its celebration of queer identity, and its insightful look into the drag world. It is considered a significant contribution to LGBTQ+ cinema and a powerful testament to the artist's enduring spirit.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply personal and inspiring look at a trailblazing drag artist.

  • Celebrates the resilience, creativity, and unique identity of BeBe Zahara Benet.

  • An engaging and heartfelt documentary that shines a light on the complexities of drag and immigration.

Google audience: Google users have overwhelmingly praised 'Being BeBe' for its emotional depth and BeBe Zahara Benet's captivating presence. Many appreciated the film's honest portrayal of her life story, her artistic journey, and her impact on the drag community. The documentary is frequently described as inspiring, authentic, and a must-watch for fans of drag and compelling storytelling.

Awards & Accolades

The film premiered at the Provincetown International Film Festival and has received positive attention on the festival circuit, including audience awards and critical acclaim.

Fun Fact

BeBe Zahara Benet is not only a drag performer but also a trained singer and dancer, often incorporating live vocals and intricate choreography into her performances.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review