Sara Sarà

2012, Italian, Italy, Sara Carbone,

Director: Peppe Lanzetta
Release Year: 2012

Synopsis:

"Sara Sarà" (2012), a short film directed by Peppe Lanzetta, offers a refreshing and poignant glimpse into the life of a transgender woman, presenting her not as a figure of pity or sympathy, but as a vibrant, self-assured individual whose personal and professional identity are as multifaceted as they are empowering. The film tells the story of Sara Carbone, also known as Sara Charlotte, a transgender woman from Naples who works as both a hairdresser and a performer in burlesque shows. With its focus on Sara’s confidence and ambition, Lanzetta’s film stands out for its groundbreaking portrayal of the transgender experience, emphasizing joy, resilience, and self-determination rather than the suffering or victimization often associated with such narratives.

 

Sara is depicted as a woman with a rich and fulfilling life that includes a successful career in the arts and a deep love for beauty and performance. As a burlesque artist, Sara’s performances blend glamour, sensuality, and humor, allowing her to express herself in a way that transcends the conventional norms often imposed on women, particularly transgender women. The film highlights her exceptional talent as a makeup artist and hairstylist, skills she has honed over the years to become not just a professional but a key figure in the artistic community of her neighborhood. These talents are central to the narrative, which showcases Sara as someone who is deeply engaged in her work and capable of inspiring others, especially the younger generation. She dreams of creating a cultural and artistic project that could engage the kids in her area, encouraging them to explore their own creativity and sense of self.

 

In a world where transgender individuals are often depicted in films as marginalized or victimized, "Sara Sarà" stands apart by presenting Sara’s story in an entirely different light. The film avoids the usual tropes of tragedy or self-pity that so often accompany transgender narratives. Instead, it celebrates Sara’s independence, her accomplishments, and her ability to carve out a space for herself within the entertainment industry. She is neither a victim of society nor a symbol of a struggle for acceptance. Rather, she is portrayed as a complex, well-rounded character whose life is defined by her passions and aspirations. This nuanced portrayal is significant because it challenges the common narrative of transgender individuals as being defined solely by their gender transition, instead of their achievements and potential.

 

Lanzetta’s film is not just a personal portrait of one woman’s journey; it is also a commentary on the broader societal context in which transgender people navigate their lives. Set in Naples, a city known for its rich cultural heritage as well as its deeply ingrained social norms, "Sara Sarà" explores the tension between tradition and individuality. Sara’s decision to live openly as a transgender woman in such an environment speaks to her courage and her desire to break free from societal expectations. The film’s portrayal of Sara’s work in the burlesque scene is also significant, as burlesque itself is a form of performance art that challenges conventional ideas of femininity and sexuality. Through Sara’s performances, the film underscores themes of self-expression, body autonomy, and the reclamation of one's identity.

 

One of the film’s most important aspects is its representation of Sara’s relationships with others, especially the younger people in her community. Sara’s dream of creating an artistic project for the kids in her neighborhood is a central part of the narrative. This project is not just about teaching them artistic skills; it is about fostering a sense of empowerment and self-worth. It reflects Sara’s belief in the transformative power of art and culture, as well as her desire to give back to the community that has shaped her. By mentoring the next generation, Sara hopes to inspire them to embrace their own identities, whatever they may be, without fear or shame. This aspect of the story highlights the importance of visibility and representation for transgender individuals, particularly in spaces where such representation is scarce.

 

The film’s visual style is also noteworthy, with Lanzetta using lighting, framing, and color to enhance the emotional depth of the narrative. The use of vibrant hues and dramatic lighting in Sara’s burlesque performances adds a layer of fantasy to the otherwise grounded reality of her life. These moments of performance are marked by a sense of magic, as they are not only a form of artistic expression but also a reflection of Sara’s inner strength and joy. The contrast between Sara’s public persona as a glamorous performer and her private moments of reflection adds complexity to the character, allowing the audience to see her as both a star and a human being.

 

The film’s title, "Sara Sarà," plays with the famous song "Sara" by the Italian rock band, The Alan Ross Band. The title suggests that Sara is not merely who she is today but also someone who is continuously evolving. It speaks to her journey, her dreams, and her resilience. There is a sense that the film’s narrative is just one chapter in Sara’s ongoing story, and the title invites the viewer to imagine what might come next for her. This sense of possibility is one of the film's most hopeful and empowering elements. Rather than focusing on a singular moment of struggle or triumph, "Sara Sarà" emphasizes the ongoing nature of identity and the infinite potential of a person’s life, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

 

"Sara Sarà" also stands out for the absence of overt melodrama or sensationalism. While the film deals with the challenges Sara faces as a transgender woman in a society that often marginalizes such individuals, it does so with subtlety and grace. The focus is less on her struggles and more on her achievements, her passions, and her ability to navigate a world that may not always be welcoming but can still be made beautiful through art and love. The film’s tone is one of quiet empowerment, allowing the audience to connect with Sara on a human level rather than simply as a symbol of a cause.

 

In conclusion, "Sara Sarà" is a groundbreaking work of cinema that provides a nuanced and celebratory portrayal of a transgender woman’s life. Through Sara, Lanzetta shows that transgender individuals can be vibrant, successful, and full of dreams, and that their stories deserve to be told not through pity, but through pride and respect. The film’s message is clear: every person, regardless of their gender identity, deserves to be seen for who they are and celebrated for what they can bring to the world. "Sara Sarà" is not just a story about being transgender; it is a story about being human—about the pursuit of one’s passions, the joy of self-expression, and the hope that comes with living authentically.

via:  it.paperblog.com

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