Photography by Ryan Pfluger in Marina Del Rey, Calif., on September 28, 2015. Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez: Styling by Michael Cook. Hair: Dallin James at The Wall Group. Makeup: Harper at Exclusive Artists Management. All clothing by Topshop.
Directed by Sean Baker, and shot entirely on an iPhone, the film Tangerinewas a major indie hit this year, shedding light on the world of trans sex workers like few narrative movies have, and turning Mya Taylor and her co-star, Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, into breakout stars. An Oscar campaign launched by Magnolia Pictures and filmmakers Mark and Jay Duplass, the movie's executive producers, has made the women history-makers -- the first trans actors ever to be backed for awards consideration. It's a development that bolsters Rodriguez's chief goal: "Equality in the workplace is my biggest concern," she says, "and the area where I most hope to help bring about change." Adds Taylor, "This has been such an amazing year for the trans community. I'm just happy that Tangerine could be a part of it."
