Madame X

Film

Feature Film

In order to defeat a militant political party, hairdresser Adam must transform into the legendary transgender superheroine Madame X.

Information

Programme History

Part of Queer East Festival 2021

Director: Lucky Kuswandi
Runtime: 90 Mins
Year: 2010
Country: Indonesia

When a land in the middle of nowhere is threatened by a militant and homophobic political party, the safety of the country depends on Adam, a hairdresser. Armed with make-up and extraordinary dance moves, he must defeat the bad guys before they are able to win an election. But Adam must first learn Lenggok, a mix of traditional Indonesian and modern dance, and transform into the legendary transgender superheroine Madame X. Blending action-packed superheroes with trashy queer parody and martial arts, director Lucky Kuswandi’s debut film offers a riotously entertaining perspective on LGBTQ+ issues in Indonesia. Will high heels turn into loafers? Glitter make-up into dust? Leather trousers into cloth? With so much at stake, only one thing is certain: in order to battle gender bigotry, Adam must fulfil his destiny as Madame X.

Gallery

Director Profile

Lucky Kuswandi

Lucky Kuswandi is one of Indonesia’s most exciting young directors. The Wall Street Journal has praised his films as ‘original and uncharted’ and they have been screened in festivals worldwide, receiving various awards and accolades.

- Feature Film
Girlfriends 女孩不平凡
Film
28 October 2026 18:00Storyhouse
- Feature Film
- Documentary
Between Goodbyes
Film
1 November 2026 18:00Storyhouse
- Feature Film
Blue Boy Trial ブルーボーイ事件
Film
7 November 2026 17:00Storyhouse
- Feature Film
A Useful Ghost ผีใช้ได้ค่ะ
Film
10 November 2026 20:30Showroom Cinema

Explore

Festival

Second Thoughts

Lab

Madame X

Information

Gallery

Director Profile