La Red

2024, Colombia, Juan David Cortés Hernández, Spanish,

Director: Juan David Cortés Hernández
Release Year: 2024

Synopsis:

In "La Red" (2024), the documentary by Juan David Cortés Hernández, the stark distance between the body and the heart is confronted through the lens of art. This art, shaped by the efforts of "La Red Comunitaria Trans" (The Trans Community Network), takes the form of something as grand and symbolic as a 12-meter inflatable sculpture that channels the raw emotions of rage and grief. These emotions arise from the pervasive violence, state neglect, and the haunting memory of the countless trans women who have lost their lives.

 

The film stands as a tribute to the community's resilience and existence amidst an environment where the average life expectancy for trans individuals is a mere 35 years. "La Red" is more than just a documentary; it is a testament to the enduring power of community networks that have been woven together for over a decade. It honors these networks and the transformative work of "La Red Comunitaria Trans". The film captures the essence of popular art created by people who are often marginalized—"maricas" (a colloquial term for gay men in some Latin American countries), street dwellers, transvestites, and sex workers. These are the individuals whose lives and struggles are highlighted in the film, through a powerful exploration of art as a tool for resistance, community, and self-expression. The film's narrative is an emotional journey that reflects the ongoing fight for visibility, dignity, and equality. As the documentary unfolds, it not only celebrates the lives and work of those involved with "La Red Comunitaria Trans", but it also pays tribute to the sense of solidarity that binds them together. For more than ten years, these networks have been a lifeline for the trans community, providing support, resources, and a platform to challenge the systemic forces that oppress them. 

 

The film was made possible by the automatic distribution stimulus of the Colombian "Fondo para el Desarrollo Cinematográfico (FDC)", which helped bring this important project to the screen. "La Red" had its initial screening at the "Miradas de Medellín Film Festival 2023", setting the stage for the trans community to engage with the powerful story it tells. This early screening was an opportunity to introduce the film to a wider audience, especially within the context of the struggles and achievements of the trans community in Colombia. Juan David Cortés Hernández, the director of the documentary, shared insights into the inspiration behind the project. He explains that the idea to tell this story emerged during the planning stages of the fourth edition of the "Marcha del Orgullo Trans" (Trans Pride March) organized by "La Red Comunitaria Trans". 

 

After a trip to Mexico City, where he conducted interviews with leaders of trans social and cultural projects, Cortés decided to show his earlier documentary short film, "La Primavera Trans" (The Trans Spring), in various locations. The Mexican audiences' reactions to the work of trans women in Colombia deeply impacted him, sparking the idea to return with some of the members of the "Santa Fe" community and one of their iconic inflatables to participate in a similar march in Mexico. This experience solidified his belief that art is one of the most powerful tools for transforming mindsets and revealing the discrimination and indifference faced by marginalized communities. Through art, the documentary reveals the lived realities of the trans community, creating connections and strengthening the ongoing work of solidarity and activism. The production of the film was overseen by executive producers Daniela Maldonado Salamanca and Juan David Cortés, who also served as producers. The film's music was composed by Miguel Navas, while the cinematography and editing were handled by Cortés himself. The film's cast primarily consists of members of "La Fundación Red Comunitaria Trans", the same network that serves as both the subject and the force behind the documentary's creation.

 

In conclusion, "La Red" (2024) is not just a film—it is a living tribute to the trans community's struggle for recognition, justice, and survival. By weaving together art, activism, and community spirit, the documentary stands as a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from unity and the critical role that creative expression plays in challenging societal injustice. Through its storytelling, "La Red" shines a light on a marginalized community while offering a space for reflection, empowerment, and hope.

 

via: youtube

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Image credits: YouTube