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: Thomas Wallner
Release Year: 2014
English title: Before the Last Curtain Falls
Synopsis:
Thomas Wallner's documentary "Before the Last Curtain Falls" (German: Bevor der letzte Vorhang fällt) emerges as a poignant exploration of identity, love, and aging through the lives of a remarkable group of drag and transgender cabaret performers. Released in 2014, the film chronicles the journey of these artists as they prepare for their final show in Ghent after a successful international tour of the acclaimed cabaret "Gardenia."
Wallner, a German-Canadian filmmaker known for his ability to capture the human experience, offers a unique lens on the lives of these performers (Gerrit Becker, Richard Dierick, Vanessa Van Durme, Andrea De Laet, Danilo Povolo, Rudy Suwyns, Griet De Backer, Hendrik Lebon, Dirk Van Vaerenbergh, Yong Li and Ashref Mahmoud). He intended to move beyond the stereotypical narratives of transsexuality and homosexuality, aiming instead to highlight broader themes of love, acceptance, and the challenges of aging.
2014,
Belgium,
Flemish,
French,
Vanessa Van Durme,
Director: Susan Koenen
Release Year: 2010
Original title: Ik ben een meisje!
Synopsis:
The 2011 Dutch documentary Ik ben een meisje! ("I am a Girl!") by director Susan Koenen offers a heartfelt and often humorous portrayal of a 13-year-old transgender girl named Joppe, who is navigating the complexities of adolescence, gender identity, and her first crush. In this intimate portrait, the documentary touches on universal themes of self-discovery and the social dynamics of youth while highlighting the specific challenges faced by transgender individuals. Through Joppe’s story, the film explores how gender identity can shape one's experiences during childhood and adolescence, particularly when that identity does not align with societal expectations.
The documentary follows Joppe, a young girl who, despite being born biologically male, knows that she is a girl. She has the same teenage anxieties and desires as any other girl her age—she dreams of a relationship with Brian, a cute boy from her neighborhood. But there’s a catch: Brian doesn’t know that Joppe was born male. The film follows Joppe and her close circle of friends as they discuss how she might tell Brian the truth and whether or not he will accept her for who she truly is.
Joppe’s journey is not one of self-doubt or confusion about her gender identity. She’s clear about who she is and feels strongly that she was simply "born in the wrong body." Instead, the documentary focuses on her more immediate concerns: how to navigate friendships, relationships, and the awkwardness of first crushes while also confronting the reality of a society that does not always understand or accept trans identities. The ultimate question for Joppe, however, is not about her gender but whether or not she will ever get that date with Brian.
2010,
Flemish,
Netherlands,
