A random collection of films authored by or about my transgender, intersex sisters, and gender-nonconforming persons all over the world. I watched some of them, and I was inspired by some of them. I met some of the authors and heroines, some of them are my best friends, and I had the pleasure and honor of interviewing some of them. If you know of any transgender documentary that I have not covered yet, please let me know.
Directors: Silja Lanas Cavada and Hannamari Purhonen
Release Year: 1996
Synopsis:
"Sukupuoli X" (Gender X), a 1996 Finnish documentary directed by Silja Lanas Cavada and Hannamari Purhonen, holds a unique and significant place in the history of transgender representation in film. The documentary follows the journey of Tiina Miettinen, a Finnish transgender woman, as she prepares for gender reassignment surgery.
The film captures the emotional and physical transformations that Tiina undergoes, and it also provides a rare glimpse into the complexities of identity, societal expectations, and personal perseverance within the context of a deeply conservative Finnish society at the time.
The documentary is an intimate and raw portrayal of Tiina's life, chronicling her challenges, triumphs, and struggles with gender dysphoria. However, it is also much more than the story of one individual's transition; it serves as a poignant commentary on the larger social, psychological, and medical hurdles faced by transgender individuals in Finland and beyond.
1996,
Finnish,
Monika Kowalska,
Tiina Miettinen,
Director: Rosa von Praunheim
Release Year: 1996
Synopsis:
Known also under the German title "Vor Transsexuellen wird gewarnt.
"Transsexual Menace takes its title from the name of "the most exciting political action group in the USA" - transgendered people who are defining themselves, demanding their legal rights, and fighting for medical care and against job discrimination. Considered by von Praunheim to be the 'most fascinating [project] in my long life as a filmmaker,' Transsexual Menace is a sensitive and carefully crafted portrait that deals with issues openly and honestly."
"Rosa Von Praunheim's "Transexual Menace" gives viewers remarkable insight into the home and work lives of transgendered people from many cultures and countries, and provides one of the first in-depth views of female-to-male transexuals and transexuals with families and children. This feature-length video takes its title from the American political action group where transgendered people are defining themselves, demanding their legal rights, fighting for medical care and against job discrimination."
1996,
Rosalyne Blumenstein,
