Release Year: 2001
Alternate title: Girls of Sentiment
Synopsis:
Chicas por Sentimiento (2001), a documentary directed by Kaiton Kalaitzidis, presents an intimate and complex exploration of the lives of five transsexual women living in Barcelona. Through personal interviews and candid reflections, the film offers a rich tapestry of experiences, showcasing the diversity of trans identities and the social, psychological, and emotional challenges that accompany the journey of gender transition. Each woman featured in the film presents her own unique perspective, shaped by different histories, societal attitudes, and personal choices. What binds them together is a shared courage to redefine their lives and assert their identities in the face of both personal and societal obstacles.
Barcelona, often regarded as a "Mekka" for transgender people, provides a vibrant backdrop for the film. The city’s dynamic cultural scene and relatively progressive atmosphere make it an important space for LGBTQ+ visibility and activism, yet the stories of these women reveal the complexities of living as a transsexual in Spain. Through the lens of Kalaitzidis' documentary, we gain insight not only into their personal narratives but also into the shifting landscapes of sexuality, gender, and identity in a post-Franco era.