Paper Dolls (2006)

Tomer Heymann’s documentary, “Paper Dolls” (2006), is about the lives of a group of Filipino caregivers in Israel who call themselves Paper Dolls. They dress in drag and perform before an audience. At first, I thought the director’s presence in the film is somewhat self-serving, and for me, a documentary should be about the subject not the filmmaker. As the narration develops, however, his being there seems to be an integral part of the film: he becomes one of his subjects. This peculiar approach is a commentary on the sensitivity of filmmakers about their subjects.

The documentary successfully juxtaposes the dull and conservative part of Israel with the lively and colorful, albeit difficult lives of five gay migrant workers - Chiqui, Giorgio, Cheska, Jan, and Sally. It also shows the bonds between these friends and between them and the old people they take care of. Of particular interest is Sally’s heartwarming relationship with Chaim. “Paper Dolls” shows the personal struggles of these people alongside with the political problems in Israel.

Its shortcoming, however, is the unremarkable editing. There are some scenes that leave the audience wondering. For example, when Heymann tries to dress up like a Paper Doll, the scene shows him being transformed into one, and the next scene shows him removing the make-up. Also, the scene where Sally foes home to the Philippines and then suddenly back to Israel. Despite these flaws, “Paper Dolls” is still a joy to watch.