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.
Director: Patricio Enriquez
Release Year: 2002
Original title: Juchitán de las locas
Synopsis:
"Juchitán de las locas," directed by Patricio Enriquez, is a remarkable documentary that offers an intimate glimpse into the vibrant culture of Juchitán, a small city in Mexico renowned for its progressive views on gender and sexuality. Located near the Guatemalan border, Juchitán stands out as a community where homosexuality is not only accepted but celebrated as a part of its rich cultural tapestry. The film explores the lives of three gay individuals—a teacher, a hairdresser, and a shop owner—highlighting their experiences in a society that embraces fluidity in gender and sexuality.
Juchitán is distinguished by its unique cultural identity, which challenges traditional gender norms prevalent in many parts of the world. In this small city, being gay is viewed through a lens of acceptance, where families regard the birth of a boy who exhibits tendencies toward homosexuality as a blessing rather than a burden. This cultural perspective reshapes the understanding of gender roles, allowing individuals to express themselves authentically without fear of stigma.
Director: Even Benestad
Release Year: 2002
Original title: Alt om min far
Synopsis:
All About My Father (Alt om min far, 2002) is an intimate documentary that explores the life of Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad, a Norwegian physician, sexologist, and prominent transgender activist, through the eyes of her son, Even Benestad. Directed by Even, the film offers a warm, humorous, and poignant portrait of a remarkable individual who, despite facing societal and familial challenges, finds pride in her gender identity and career as a pioneer in the field of transgender rights.
The film not only provides a personal perspective on Esben Esther’s journey, but also reflects on the broader themes of gender identity, sexuality, and the complex nature of family dynamics.
The documentary won critical acclaim at the 2002 Berlin International Film Festival, where it was awarded the prestigious Teddy Award for Best Documentary. It also won several other accolades, including the Critics' Award at the Gothenburg Film Festival and the Documentary Award at The Norwegian Short Film Festival in Grimstad. Additionally, All About My Father was recognized with the 2002 Amanda Award for Best Norwegian Film. The film was widely praised for its authenticity, humor, and emotional depth, earning strong reviews from critics across Norway.
2002,
Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad,
Monika Kowalska,
Norway,
Norwegian,
Directors: Bill Weber and David Weissman
Release Year: 2002
Synopsis:
The 2002 documentary The Cockettes, directed by Bill Weber and David Weissman, offers a captivating, nostalgic, and poignant look at one of the most important avant-garde performance groups in the history of San Francisco’s countercultural scene. With their flamboyant costumes, gender-bending antics, and anarchic performances, The Cockettes were not just a drag troupe—they were a living, breathing embodiment of 1960s and 1970s sexual liberation, psychedelic experimentation, and artistic rebellion. Through interviews with surviving members, archival footage, and reflections on the group's rise and fall, The Cockettes documentary paints a vivid picture of their wild performances, the cultural climate they emerged from, and the lasting impact of their work on both the queer community and mainstream pop culture.
In the fall of 1969, a group of young artists living in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district formed the nucleus of what would become The Cockettes. Led by Hibiscus (born George Edgerly Harris III), a flamboyant artist, and inspired by the freewheeling spirit of the hippie movement, The Cockettes embodied a radical vision of performance that defied the traditional boundaries of gender, sexuality, and theater. Hibiscus, a lover of drag, and other members of the troupe sought to put their "outlandish" lifestyles on display as a form of artistic expression. They created impromptu, experimental performances that often included surreal, improvised musical numbers, an array of bizarre costumes, and a complete disregard for conventional theatrical structures.
2002,
Candy Darling,
English,
Holly Woodlawn,
Jackie Curtis,
USA,
