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: Dácio Pinheiro
Release Year: 2009
Synopsis:
Dácio Pinheiro’s documentary "Meu Amigo Claudia" presents a vibrant exploration of the life and legacy of Cláudia Wonder, a pioneering figure in Brazil’s LGBTQ+ community. Released in 2009, the film chronicles Wonder’s journey from the streets of São Paulo to becoming a cultural icon and activist, shedding light on critical issues related to pop culture, behavior, politics, and sexual diversity through her unique experiences.
Cláudia Wonder (February 15, 1955 – November 26, 2010) was not only a performer but also a writer, singer-songwriter, columnist, and tireless advocate for transgender rights in Brazil. From an early age, she discovered her gender identity and began to navigate the vibrant yet challenging nightlife of São Paulo, aligning herself with other notable underground artists of the time.
Her career spanned several decades, during which she broke through societal prejudice and the oppressive climate of Brazil’s military dictatorship, ultimately transforming perceptions of transgender individuals in the cultural landscape. Wonder was known for her performances in erotic cinema, her involvement in punk music, and her participation in theatrical productions, all of which contributed to her visibility and the advocacy of trans rights.
2009,
Brazil,
Claudia Wonder,
Portuguese,
Rogéria,
Director: John-Paul Davidson
Release Year: 1993
Synopsis:
In 1993, director John-Paul Davidson released the poignant documentary "Boys from Brazil," which provides an unflinching glimpse into the lives of Brazilian travestis—transgender women—navigating the complex realities of their existence in Brazil and their aspirations for a better life in Italy. The film introduces us to key figures Samira, Luciana, and their friend Gaspar, whose intertwined stories reveal the challenges faced by transgender individuals in a society often marked by prejudice and marginalization.
"Boys from Brazil" stands out for its intimate portrayal of its subjects, capturing not just their struggles but also their hopes and dreams. The documentary opens with Samira and Luciana, two travestis living in Brazil who aspire to migrate to Italy, seeking a life filled with opportunity, acceptance, and dignity. However, their initial attempt to enter Italy fails, setting the stage for a narrative rich in resilience and determination.
Gaspar, a pivotal character in the documentary, serves as a bridge between the Brazilian context and the Italian experience. After the failed attempt, he embarks on a solo journey to Italy, where he encounters another group of Brazilian travestis—Claudia, Sabrina, and Marcela—living in Rome. This shift in setting underscores the ongoing challenges of migration, identity, and survival faced by the travesti community.
1993,
Brazil,
Portuguese,
Director: Karla Holanda
Release Year: 2012
Synopsis:
In 2013, Brazilian filmmaker Karla Holanda released a powerful documentary titled Kátia, sponsored by Petrobras, a state-controlled Brazilian multinational energy corporation. The film documents the life of Kátia Tapety, a transgender woman from the small town of Colônia do Piauí, located in the northeast of Brazil.
The documentary chronicles Kátia’s extraordinary journey from her early life as a man named José to becoming a respected political figure—a groundbreaking achievement for the LGBTQ+ community in Brazil.
Kátia’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and transformation. She not only defied societal and familial expectations but also broke barriers in Brazilian politics, becoming the first transgender woman to hold an elective office in the country. The film offers a poignant look at Kátia’s life, showcasing her personal struggles, her rise to political prominence, and her unyielding commitment to her community and her identity. In doing so, it highlights the intersections of gender, identity, and politics in contemporary Brazil.
2012,
Brazil,
Kátia Tapety,
Portuguese,
