Filmmaker Nicole Costa’s latest documentary, “No Money No Honey,” offers an intimate portrait of memory, friendship and survival through the experiences of Máxima Mauricio, an Argentine nonbinary sex worker whose personal video archive captures decades of queer life.
The documentary will make its New York premiere in competition at the 38th NewFest: The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, running Oct. 15-25, following its world premiere at the 22nd Camden International Film Festival.
Combining personal VHS footage recorded between 1991 and 2004 with contemporary cinematography, Costa’s film traces three decades of experiences across Buenos Aires, Miami and New York City. The result is a deeply personal exploration of trans identity, community, loss and the power of reclaiming one’s own story.
The film begins during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Mauricio revisits old videotapes documenting parties, friendships, desire and everyday moments shared with a close-knit circle of trans Latinx friends during the 1990s and early 2000s.
As she watches the footage, memories of the past intersect with the realities of the present. The recordings become a way to reflect on personal trauma, relationships and the community that helped sustain her through difficult times.
Following the death of prominent trans activist Lorena Borjas, Mauricio reconnects with members of her trans Latinx community and her ailing friend Nellie. Their experiences highlight the vulnerability of trans lives and the importance of mutual support and collective care.
The documentary also examines Mauricio’s relationship with her mother, conversations with her friend Sebastián and a tender connection with a young client named Darius. Through these relationships, the film moves beyond the challenges of survival to explore reconciliation, intimacy and human connection.
Costa, a Chilean filmmaker based in New York, previously directed “The Journey of Monalisa,” her 2019 documentary that premiered at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam and DOC NYC. The film received Best U.S. Latinx Film honors at the Cinema Tropical Awards.
With “No Money No Honey,” Costa continues her commitment to collaborative storytelling and queer self-determination. Produced with Daniela Camino of Mimbre Films, the project brings archival images into conversation with contemporary experiences, allowing Mauricio to participate in shaping how her life is represented on screen.
Rather than relying on outside interpretations of sex work or trans identity, the documentary centers Mauricio’s perspective and personal archive. Its movement between decades, cities and relationships creates a layered portrait of resilience, friendship and belonging.
Through intimate images and candid reflections, “No Money No Honey” explores how personal memories can become a powerful tool for reclaiming identity, preserving community history and imagining a future grounded in connection and care.