Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
Crossing Over (2014): A Documentary on Transgender Immigration, Identity, and Resilience
Crossing Over, a powerful 2014 documentary directed by Isabel Castro, presents an intimate look into the lives of transgender Mexican immigrants navigating life in Los Angeles. The film documents the personal and emotional journeys of three transgender women—Francis Murillo, Brenda Gonzalez, and Abigail Madariaga—who risked everything in search of safety, acceptance, and a better life in the United States. In the process, the film exposes the intersection of gender identity, immigration struggles, and the violence faced by transgender individuals in both their home countries and the U.S.
At its core, Crossing Over is not just a story about immigration, but a poignant exploration of survival and resilience. The documentary unfolds the complex realities that transgender immigrants face, with a particular focus on how systemic issues of transphobia, abuse, and lack of legal knowledge complicate their pursuit of asylum and a better future. Through the stories of Francis, Brenda, and Abigail, Castro aims to shed light on a marginalized group within both the immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, offering viewers a humanizing and nuanced perspective on the struggles that define their lives.
