Pageant, a documentary about the 34th annual Miss Gay America beauty pageant, shows how a celebration of illusion can be complex and, well, beautiful.

The film follows five promising contestants as each strives to be crowned Miss Gay America. The pageant is modeled on the Miss America competition, the only difference being that all of these contestants are males impersonating females.

What makes this documentary effective is that its existence is instrumental to the realization of many of the contestants’ goal: to bring Miss Gay America to the attention of mainstream culture and to raise appreciation for the art of female impersonation.

The nature of female impersonation coupled with the characteristics of pageantry create a visual feast: One of the opening shots is of a contestant’s impeccable, vibrant eye makeup, and sequins and jewels adorning ostentatious evening gowns.

The most interesting scenes are those in which the men transform themselves into women with rigorous application of makeup and padded pantyhose and bras. Pork Chop, one of the contestants, is not self-conscious about the fact that his cleavage is authentic, thanks to his “McDonald’s titties.”

In addition to being fun and, at times, funny — in one scene a contestant struggles to properly apply his fake eyelashes and in frustration says, “These eyelashes are giving me the f***ing blues!” — the documentary is heartwarming.

Chantal Reshae, who has been going to pageants with his straight best friend for the past few years, nearly brought the audience to tears when he said he would not keep coming back if it weren’t for the support of his friend, who performed a dance routine with him in the talent competition.

By the point in the competition when the finalists are announced, one has grown so fond of all five featured contestants she can’t root for just one. This film is a winner.

Reach reporter Sonia McBride at arts@dailyuw.com.