Memórias reveladas

2019, Argetina, Claudia Pía Baudracco, María Belén Correa, Spanish,

Director: Quentin Worthington
Release Year: 2019

Synopsis:

"Memórias Reveladas" (2019) is a poignant and deeply moving documentary directed by Quentin Worthington, that explores the lives, struggles, and triumphs of trans women who have experienced exile, hardship, and loss, while also celebrating their joyful memories and resilience. This 23-minute photo-novel documentary takes the viewer on an emotional journey, traveling between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Hanover, Germany, to meet with the founding members of the "Archivo de la Memoria Trans Argentina" (Trans Memory Archive Argentina), the first trans archive in the world.

 

The documentary is structured as a photo-novel, blending visual storytelling with the personal histories of Magalí, María Belén, Ivana, and Carla—four trans women who have become guardians of an invaluable collection of over 7,000 photos documenting the trans experience in Argentina. Over the course of 10 months, Worthington's camera captures these women as they embrace their new roles as curators, archivists, and historians. As they sift through the photographs, the women reflect on their painful pasts, shaped by Argentina's brutal dictatorship (1976-1983), the AIDS epidemic, state repression, and the mass murders that devastated their communities. But "Memórias Reveladas" is not only about the past. It also illuminates the women's ongoing struggles for their rights, the strength of sisterhood, and the celebration of life, love, and laughter even in the face of death. These women are not merely survivors—they are powerful advocates, preserving their collective memory for future generations and asserting their identities in a world that has often sought to erase them.

 

The "Archivo de la Memoria Trans Argentina" itself is a testament to this resilience and the importance of preserving the history of marginalized communities. Founded by María Belén Correa and the late Claudia Pía Baudracco, the archive serves as a sanctuary for the memories of trans individuals who lived through some of the darkest periods in Argentina’s history. The project was born out of a desire to gather and protect the memories and images of survivors, many of whom had been abandoned by the state or silenced by society. After Pía's death in 2012, María Belén, in exile, took on the mantle of preserving this history, establishing a virtual space to connect survivors, share photographs, anecdotes, and documents, and create a collective memory. In 2014, with the help of visual artist Cecilia Estalles, the archive began its work of collection, preservation, and organization, turning into a fully operational space for the protection of over 15,000 documents, including photographs, films, audio recordings, newspaper clippings, and personal items such as ID cards, passports, letters, and police records. This treasure trove spans from the early 20th century to the 1990s and provides an invaluable historical record of the trans community in Argentina.

 

"Memórias Reveladas" not only showcases this archival work but also highlights the personal journeys of the women involved. By filming these women as they process and preserve their memories, Worthington allows them to reflect on their roles as keepers of history, preserving the stories of their lives and the lives of those who have been lost. Each photo they handle is more than just an image—it’s a link to the past, a piece of history that demands to be remembered. The mission of the "Archivo de la Memoria Trans" is not only to safeguard the memories of the trans community but also to fight against transphobia, support the social and labor inclusion of trans individuals, and expose instances of institutional and social discrimination. Through the archive, trans activists, archivists, historians, and artists come together to create new projects that amplify the voices of the trans community and advocate for equality. As an inclusive and collaborative effort, the archive thrives as a space where diverse perspectives are welcomed. The team behind the archive includes trans activists, queer individuals, and allies who believe in the power of diversity to inspire social change.

 

The "Archivo de la Memoria Trans" is not just a collection of photographs; it is a movement, a collective effort to reclaim history and ensure that the stories of trans individuals are not forgotten. The archive’s goals are not only historical preservation but also the empowerment of the trans community, offering a platform to discuss identity, rights, and the ongoing fight for a more inclusive society. Through "Memórias Reveladas," Worthington gives the viewer an intimate and emotional glimpse into the lives of these women, their struggles, and their victories. The documentary is both a tribute to their resilience and a call to action—urging society to recognize the value of trans lives, their histories, and their contributions. The archive and its curators are a living testament to the strength and solidarity of the trans community, a community that continues to thrive despite centuries of erasure and violence. Through their work, they ensure that the memories of those who have passed will not be forgotten, and that the stories of the living continue to inspire future generations. The "Archivo de la Memoria Trans" is not just about collecting memories—it's about constructing a future where trans identities are recognized, valued, and celebrated. And "Memórias Reveladas" stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of that mission, offering a moving portrayal of how memory, history, and activism come together to shape a more just world for all.

 

via: youtube

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Image credits: YouTube