What could be more different than a christening and a group of aging transsexuals performing a session of Tombola Scostumata (calling bingo numbers accompanied by bawdy Neapolitan mottos) where they talk and sing about sex with men, the lives of male prostitutes and the daily battle against hypocritical people who consider themselves normal? For Tonino, Gennaro, Giacinto and Genny there is no difference. They are Le Coccinelle (the Ladybugs), who sing modern Neapolitan songs in drag. Their lives are divided between working as prostitutes on the streets of Naples, and performing, strangely enough, at family celebrations like baptisms, first communions and weddings. Neapolitan director Emanuela Pirelli reveals the lives of the femminielli, their passions and problems. They carry on an ancient yet modern art; an art that is worlds away from drag queen performances, but has provided the inspiration for them.

Side Effects is the story of a woman who’s not afraid to believe that happiness is not only possible but the only truth to be achieved. A woman who won’t give up believing in people. A woman who will fight against all adversities in order to let others not to give up a life worth living. Nowadays, the desire for happiness is a real heroic act.