Karina Núñez, a sex worker and activist in Uruguay, is a force of nature. The charismatic subject of Marta García and Sol Infante's documentary Bad Reputation is introduced with a closeup of her chest, tucked behind a lacy brassiere. The shot is far from objectifying: Núñez is fully in control, and her breasts are simply a tool of her trade. The opening scene expands to a road intersection at night, where she hopes to find her next customer among the stream of cars.
A Leader in the Fight for Rights
Núñez stands at a crossroads, a framing that suggests the precariousness of her occupation, yet she is far from alone. As founder and leader of Otras, a union for Uruguayan sex workers, she has rallied a dedicated community around the fight for social acceptance, better labour conditions, and legal protection. Swerving sensationalism, the film does not focus on individual customers, foregrounding instead the everyday struggles faced by the sex workers themselves.
Everyday Struggles and Dignity
In moving scenes, Núñez speaks of the dismissive treatment she receives at a health clinic, as well as her difficulty in transitioning to another line of work. In the eyes of the law and society, she and her fellow workers are merely faceless statistics or cautionary tales, rather than human beings with rights and dignity.
Community and Organising
Much of the film revolves around the organising efforts of Núñez and fellow union members, which range from weekly meetings and mutual food aid to photography campaigns and television appearances. More than a portrait of one woman, this is a beautiful celebration of a whole community that dares to fight for a better future against overwhelming odds.
Bad Reputation is on True Story from 20 July.
