Director: Hanna Larson
Release Year: 2015
Title in English: My Name Is Jens
Synopsis:
In 2015, a powerful and intimate documentary called "Jag är Jens" (translated as "My Name is Jens") captivated audiences and won the prestigious Audience Prize at Amnesty Sweden’s Human Rights Documentary Film Festival. The film, directed by 19-year-old student Hanna Larson, presents a poignant and authentic portrayal of Jens, a young transgender woman, sharing her personal journey of self-discovery, transformation, and resilience. This documentary became one of the standout films at the festival, which has been dedicated to showcasing human rights issues through the lens of young filmmakers for over a decade.
The Angeläget Filmfestival, as it is known in Sweden, is not just a celebration of human rights cinema but also a unique platform for young filmmakers to express their perspectives on social justice. On its 10th anniversary in April 2015, the festival had grown into the largest of its kind in Sweden, attracting more than 300 attendees, with over 3,000 teachers using the films as teaching materials in classrooms across the country. The festival not only provides an opportunity for young filmmakers to showcase their work but also sparks important conversations on a wide range of human rights topics, from gender equality to freedom of expression.
Among the many films presented, "Jag är Jens" stood out for its deeply personal and visually striking approach to documenting the life of a transgender person navigating the complexities of identity and societal expectations.
At the time of making the film, Hanna Larson was a 19-year-old student studying radio at Östersjögymnasiet secondary school. Though she had been involved in the festival for several years, "Jag är Jens" was her first major documentary project. In an interview for
amnesty.org, Larson explained how she came to focus on Jens' story: "My school participates in this documentary film festival every year, and at first, I wasn’t sure what type of movie I wanted to make. But then I saw a video on Facebook about a trans girl named Jens. She had a YouTube channel where she made videos about her life."
In a serendipitous twist, Larson and her team discovered that Jens went to the same school they were filming at, so they decided to reach out to her. Upon meeting Jens, Larson felt an immediate connection, sensing that Jens’ story would resonate powerfully with viewers. "The moment we met Jens, we knew the movie would be great. It just felt so right to make a movie about her," said Larson, recalling their first encounter. "She is such an amazing person, so open and honest about her life. We knew she'd be perfect for the film."
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"Jag är Jens" is a two-part documentary that invites the audience into Jens’ personal journey. The first section of the film is essentially an interview with Jens, in which she shares her thoughts, experiences, and reflections on being a transgender individual in Sweden. This intimate conversation allows Jens to tell her own story in her own words, offering the audience an honest and raw glimpse into the emotional and physical challenges she faces.
The second half of the documentary focuses on Jens’ physical transformation, following her as she applies makeup, experiments with different clothing styles, and takes steps toward fully embracing her identity. This part of the film captures the contrast between the person Jens was before her transition and the person she is becoming. It’s not just about the physical changes, but also about the emotional and psychological transformation Jens undergoes in the process of becoming her true self.
Larson and her team’s approach to this second section was driven by the desire to depict not just the outcome, but the journey. The filmmakers carefully framed these scenes, emphasizing the importance of self-expression, body positivity, and the power of embracing one's true identity. The juxtaposition of the "before" and "after" helped highlight Jens’ internal and external evolution.
"Jag är Jens" was screened alongside six other films at the 2015 Human Rights Documentary Film Festival in Gothenburg, Sweden. The film quickly became a festival favorite, resonating deeply with audiences, many of whom were moved by Jens’ courage and openness. The documentary not only won the Audience Prize but also sparked important discussions around gender identity, LGBTQ+ rights, and the role of media in shaping societal perceptions.
Larson’s ability to capture such an intimate and authentic story was widely praised. "It was an honor to be part of this festival and to see "Jag är Jens" reach such a broad audience," Larson said for
amnesty.org. "We were thrilled to see how Jens' story was able to touch so many people and start conversations about gender and identity." The success of "Jag är Jens" is a testament to the power of personal storytelling in raising awareness about human rights issues. Through Jens’ narrative, the documentary shines a light on the struggles faced by transgender individuals, while also celebrating the courage and strength it takes to live as one's true self. It challenges audiences to reflect on their own perceptions of gender and identity and invites empathy and understanding for those whose stories are often marginalized.
Beyond its impact on festival attendees, "Jag är Jens" has continued to be used in educational settings, with more than 3,000 teachers incorporating the film into their classrooms. The film has become an important resource in fostering dialogue about gender, identity, and the importance of acceptance, particularly for young people who may be encountering these issues for the first time.
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For both Larson and Jens, "Jag är Jens" represents a significant milestone. For Larson, the film was an opportunity to explore important human rights themes while honing her skills as a young filmmaker. For Jens, the documentary provided a platform for her to share her story with the world and to raise awareness about the challenges faced by transgender individuals.
As a winner of the Audience Prize at the Angeläget Filmfestival, "Jag är Jens" also contributed to the growing visibility of transgender voices in the media. With stories like Jens' being told, society is slowly but surely moving toward greater acceptance and understanding of gender diversity. "Jag är Jens" is not just a film about gender identity or transition; it is a story of self-discovery, acceptance, and the courage it takes to be unapologetically yourself. Through the lens of Jens’ journey, Hanna Larson created a documentary that has touched hearts, sparked conversations, and given voice to a community often underrepresented in mainstream media.
The film’s success at Amnesty Sweden’s Human Rights Documentary Film Festival and its continued use in educational contexts demonstrate the profound impact that storytelling can have on raising awareness and promoting social change. As Larson’s first major film project, "Jag är Jens" is a testament to the power of youth-driven cinema in shaping conversations around human rights, identity, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Image credits: YouTube
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