I Am Divine – with Michelle Mama

A Divine Night at the Cinema

There are drag queens, and then there is Divine. Long before the polished, choreographed perfection of modern reality television, there was Harris Glenn Milstead—a force of nature from Baltimore who, alongside his partner-in-crime John Waters, redefined what it meant to be a star. On June 13, the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is pulling back the curtain on this underground legend with a special Pride-month screening of *I Am Divine*. This isn’t just a movie night; it’s a masterclass in rebellion, hosted by one of Canada’s most insightful documentary voices, Michelle Mama.

Mama, fresh off the massive success of her 2026 Hot Docs opening night film *Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions*, is the perfect guide for this journey. She doesn’t just see Divine as a camp icon; she sees the grit, the heartbreak, and the radical humanity behind the heavy eyeliner and the infamous *Pink Flamingos* antics. Having spent years documenting the raw, unapologetic spirit of Canadian rock icon Carole Pope, Mama brings a unique perspective to the screen, drawing parallels between the punk-rock ethos of Toronto’s own music scene and the transgressive, industrial-era Baltimore that birthed Divine.

The Toronto Connection

One of the most fascinating aspects of this event is Mama’s discovery of a hidden thread connecting Divine to Toronto. While most people associate Divine with the 2007 *Hairspray* remake filmed in our city, Mama unearthed a much grittier, more authentic link: a 1977 one-night-only musical collaboration between Divine and the legendary Toronto band Rough Trade. Titled *Restless Underwear*, the show was, in the words of Carole Pope, “titillating and stupid”—the kind of high-art, low-brow collision that defines the best of queer culture. Hearing Mama unpack these stories in person is a rare treat, offering a localized lens through which to view a global icon.

The Venue: A Neighbourhood Staple

There is no better place to host this screening than the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. Located in the heart of the Annex, this historic venue—originally opened in 1913 as the Madison Picture Palace—has been lovingly restored to serve as the city’s premier home for documentary film. Its grand, old-school cinema vibe provides the perfect contrast to the “vile and disgusting” (but brilliant) nature of Divine’s filmography.

Before or after the show, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the Annex. The stretch of Bloor Street West between Bathurst and Spadina is teeming with life. Grab a pre-show drink at one of the many cozy pubs nearby, or head over to a local spot for a post-screening debate about which John Waters film truly deserves the title of “most offensive.”

Getting There

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is incredibly accessible. It’s located just steps away from the Bathurst subway station on Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth). If you’re driving, there are several Green P parking lots in the surrounding neighbourhood, but given the density of the Annex on a Saturday night, the TTC is your best bet to avoid the headache of street parking.

Good to Know

* **The Vibe:** Expect a crowd that appreciates the intersection of film history, queer activism, and pure, unadulterated camp. * **The Guest:** Michelle Mama will be providing a live introduction. Arrive early to ensure you don’t miss her insights, as she is known for her deep-dive research and engaging storytelling. * **The Film:** *I Am Divine* is a comprehensive, definitive portrait. Even if you’ve seen *Female Trouble* a dozen times, this documentary offers a poignant, behind-the-scenes look at the man behind the makeup that will change how you see his legacy.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the “Pope of Trash” or simply looking to celebrate Pride with a film that captures the true spirit of queer defiance, this is the event of the season. Don't miss out.