2021,
Alicia de Benito,
Cristina Millán,
Lena Brasas,
Saya Solana,
Spain,
Spanish,
Tina Recio,
Yolanda Terol,
Director: Adrián Silvestre
Release Year: 2021
Title in English: Sediments
Synopsis:
Adrián Silvestre's documentary "Sedimentos" (2021) stands out as one of the finest Spanish films of the year, securing its place among the top Spanish films in a year dominated by fiction. Silvestre, known for his 2016 debut "Los objetos amorosos", spent several years meticulously crafting this ambitious project, which bears similarities to the 1983 documentary "
Vestidas de azul" by Antonio Giménez-Rico, yet presents a unique approach to the subject.
"Sedimentos" invites viewers to reflect on why, despite the 38-year gap between these two films, examples of Spanish cinema featuring trans protagonists remain so rare. One hopes that "Sedimentos" will spark change in this regard, serving as a pivotal work in fostering more inclusive representation.
Produced by Adrián Silvestre and Javier Pérez Santana, "Sedimentos" made waves at the San Sebastián Film Festival, surprising many with its intimate and evocative storytelling. The film has since been showcased at various prestigious events, including Seminci (where it won the Espiga Arcoiris award), the Málaga Film Festival, BFI London, and Outfest Los Angeles (where it received a Special Jury Mention). It has also been successful at LESGAICINEMAD 2021, winning multiple awards, including Best Documentary Feature and Best Documentary Direction, both from the Jury and the Audience. Yet, the journey of "Sedimentos" began five years ago, when Silvestre, with no budget but a strong vision, met Tina Recio, president of the I-vaginarium association, which supports trans women seeking genital surgery.
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The film touches on the difficult decisions these women face, such as whether or not to undergo surgery, a central theme in the documentary.
Silvestre was invited to attend association meetings, where he began learning from the women involved, gradually earning their trust and allowing the project to take shape. The film began to take form during a trip to Lena’s hometown, where the six protagonists—Yolanda, Lena, Tina, Alicia, Cristina, and Saya—traveled together with the crew, including cinematographer Laura Herrero (who worked on "La Mami", a two-time Gaudí Award nominee). The resulting footage reflects moments of intimacy, debates, and tensions, balanced with moments of humor and emotion. Yolanda, in particular, shines with her fierce yet compassionate demeanor, embodying strength and vulnerability in equal measure.
What sets "Sedimentos" apart from other documentaries is Silvestre's decision not to create a traditional documentary centered around outsiders recounting their stories for the sake of the filmmaker. Instead, he chooses to immerse himself with his subjects, listen to them, learn from them, and let their voices define the narrative. This approach infuses the film with artistic depth, emphasizing the importance of the bond and complicity between the six women, as well as the crew. This collaborative dynamic is a respectful and powerful way to explore such a sensitive subject matter.
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The excellence of "Sedimentos" not only promises a bright future for Silvestre's career (his upcoming film, "Mi vacío y yo", is already completed) but also ensures that the documentary will continue to be celebrated on the international festival circuit. It has already gained recognition, winning awards like the Best Documentary Feature at Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, with more festival appearances expected in the months to come. This is a testament to Silvestre’s growing influence in the world of cinema, and many are hopeful that "Sedimentos" will receive further accolades, including potential recognition at the Goya Awards.
In "Sedimentos", Silvestre confronts the lack of widespread recognition for trans stories in Spain’s cultural landscape, inviting audiences into the lives of these six women. Their personal experiences and their time together in the rural Spanish village of Puente de Alba serve as the heart of the film. As the narrative unfolds, viewers witness them navigating both their individual journeys and their collective experience, which speaks to the broader issues faced by the trans community.
The documentary is a critical exploration of gender, family, identity, and belonging.
The film touches on topics like school harassment, prostitution, the challenges of transitioning, the cost of gender-affirming surgery, and societal debates on gender and feminism. Family plays a crucial role, with the women reflecting on both biological and chosen families. Moments of connection, such as Alicia and Lena’s visit to Lena’s family, showcase how familial support or rejection impacts the lives of trans individuals. At the same time, the six protagonists form a new family, bound not by blood but by shared experiences.
One of the film’s strengths is its focus on the individual personalities of the protagonists, all of whom bring something unique to the table. Saya, for instance, emerges as the most curious of the group, reading tarot cards for her companions, while Yolanda represents survival and strength. Cristina, in contrast, becomes the voice of dissent, questioning the choices of others and providing a counterpoint to the group's dynamics. The conversations between the women are intimate, raw, and often tense, revealing the complexity of their relationships and the ways in which they challenge and support one another.
Rather than presenting a fixed narrative or portraying the women as mere subjects of a documentary, Silvestre’s approach allows the protagonists to dictate the course of the story. Their interactions and debates are the heart of the film, and the audience is invited to experience these moments with the same intimacy and empathy that Silvestre himself shares with them.
The film’s title, "Sedimentos", references the layers of experience that shape each individual’s identity. These layers are explored through the women’s conversations and reflections, set against the backdrop of the natural landscapes they encounter.
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The film highlights the connection between the inner selves of the women and the external environment around them, using the metaphor of geological layers to underscore how personal history, societal pressures, and individual choices accumulate over time. The imagery of sedimentary rocks, with their layers of history and transformation, serves as a powerful symbol for the women’s personal journeys.
Silvestre’s choice of shooting style, using a single camera and minimal interference, allows the natural flow of conversation to guide the narrative. The film’s cinematography, handled by Laura Herrero Garvín, is both intimate and striking, with carefully composed frames that capture the emotions and reactions of the women. The slow pace and use of static shots give the audience the time to absorb the depth of the subjects’ expressions and words.
In conclusion, "Sedimentos" is a revealing and deeply empathetic documentary that gives voice to a marginalized community often ignored by mainstream cinema. By focusing on the personal experiences of six transgender women, Silvestre offers a nuanced portrayal of identity, relationships, and the complexities of transitioning. It is a film that challenges viewers to reconsider their assumptions about gender and opens a window into the lives of those who are too often silenced. In this sense, "Sedimentos" is not just a film about the trans community; it is a powerful call for greater understanding and acceptance of diversity in all its forms.
Image credits: YouTube
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