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: Lionel Bernard and Christophe Campos
Release Year: 1995
Synopsis:
The documentary was aired on CANAL+ in 1995. It portrays the French community of transgender divas, their stage performances, and their interactions with society.
One of the main characters is Coccinelle, also known as Jacqueline Charlotte Dufresnoy, a French actress, entertainer, and singer. She was a transgender icon, being one of the first widely publicized post-war gender reassignment cases in Europe.
God Save the Queens, a compelling documentary directed by Christophe Campos and aired on CANAL+ in 1995, offers an intimate portrait of the vibrant world of transgender divas in France. This 41-minute film captures not only the artistry and performances of these individuals but also their interactions with society at large, showcasing the complex dynamics of identity, acceptance, and resilience.
1995,
Carmen Xtravaganza,
Coccinelle,
Crystal LaBeija,
Doris Fish,
French,
Psicosis Gonsales,
Rachel Harlow,
Production: Lucas Prod & Libertine
Release Year: 2008
Synopsis:
In a world where understanding and acceptance of diverse gender identities are continually evolving, the documentary Transsexuel et Dignité Paris by Lucas Prod & Libertine offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of transgender women in Paris, France. Through personal stories, vibrant performances, and candid interviews, the film explores the multifaceted experiences of its subjects—focusing particularly on the challenges, joys, and dignities they navigate in their everyday lives.
Transsexuel et Dignité Paris does more than just showcase the glamour and excitement of the Parisian nightlife; it delves deeply into the realities faced by transgender women. The documentary highlights a group of performers, including Crystal Lucero (aka Carmen Electra), Diana Mascaroz from Colombia, Mirna Bustos, and Gisele, all of whom have chosen the stage as a platform for self-expression. Their stories are interwoven with rich commentary on the broader transgender phenomenon, providing context and insight into the social and cultural dynamics at play.
2008,
Carmen Electra,
Crystal Lucero,
Diana Mascaroz,
French,
Kristina Dariosecq,
Mirna Bustos,
Producer: René Ferron (Caméra87)
Release Year: 1987
Synopsis:
"L'exil intérieur," a poignant documentary produced by Caméra87, takes viewers deep into the personal story of Daniel, a transgender woman navigating the complexities of identity, acceptance, and the profound yearning to align her external self with her internal truth. This film provides a rare and intimate glimpse into Daniel's life, illustrating not only her struggles but also the broader societal issues faced by transgender individuals.
From an early age, Daniel felt a disconnect between her mind and body, experiencing profound feelings of being trapped in a male body. The film portrays her childhood, marked by confusion and isolation, as she wrestled with a society that often marginalizes those who deviate from traditional gender norms. Daniel's journey is not just about transitioning; it is about the quest for authenticity and the relentless pursuit of being true to oneself in a world that can be unforgiving.
The documentary captures Daniel's reflections on her experiences, offering a heartfelt testimony that resonates deeply with viewers. She articulates the pain of feeling like an outsider, the loneliness that accompanied her journey, and the moment of clarity that ignited her desire to transition. Through her story, the film sheds light on the emotional and psychological toll that gender dysphoria can inflict on an individual.
Directors: Cynthia Arra & Mélissa Arra
Release Year: 2007
Original title: L'ordre des mots
Synopsis:
"L'ordre des mots," directed by Cynthia and Mélissa Arra, is a poignant exploration of the struggles and triumphs faced by the Trans and Intersex community in France. This film distinguishes itself by providing a platform for voices often marginalized in mainstream discourse, allowing individuals to articulate their journeys in the quest for identity. Through a blend of personal narratives and broader societal critiques, the film invites audiences to reconsider established norms surrounding gender identity, sexuality, and the body.
At its core, "L'ordre des mots" delves into the complexities of gender identity, presenting a multifaceted view that goes beyond the typical narratives associated with Trans issues. The Arra sisters employ a unique approach by featuring contemporary activists and precursors of the Trans and Intersex movement, showcasing a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect the diverse realities of these communities.
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: Frédéric Fontan
Release Year: 2012
Synopsis:
Frédéric Fontan's 2012 short documentary My Butterflies Dream is a poignant and introspective work that highlights the life and journey of Marie d’Estrées, a French transsexual actress, who serves as Fontan's muse. The film, a deeply personal exploration of identity, transformation, and the transgender experience, is an extension of Fontan's broader commitment to the LGBT+ community and the nuanced issues surrounding gender identity. The documentary's release was a significant moment not just for French cinema, but for the visibility of transgender individuals in both the arts and society.
Fontan, who has been deeply involved in LGBT+ advocacy in France since 2010, has long championed the inclusion of trans voices within the broader LGBT narrative. His work, both as a curator and filmmaker, reflects an unwavering dedication to challenging societal norms, advocating for trans rights, and elevating marginalized voices within the LGBT community. My Butterflies Dream is one of the most notable examples of his commitment to this cause.
In this article, we will explore the context of the film, its thematic explorations, the role of its central figure, Marie d’Estrées, and its significance within the broader framework of Fontan’s artistic and political advocacy.
2012,
French,
Marie D'estrées,
Director: Josée Dayan
Release Year: 2008
Synopsis:
"Nous n'irons plus au bois" (2008), a documentary by Josée Dayan, stands as one of the most insightful and compassionate portrayals of the transgender community in France. Focusing on the personal stories of several prominent transgender women, the film provides an unflinching look at their struggles, triumphs, and the societal challenges they face. Through candid interviews, Dayan offers a space for these women to speak about their experiences, weaving a narrative that is free from judgment and sensationalism, which often cloud public discourse on gender identity.
The title of the documentary, which translates to "We Will No Longer Go to the Woods," evokes a sense of quiet defiance and hope, suggesting that the community no longer needs to retreat into the shadows of society. This concept is explored through the stories of figures such as Pascale Ourbih, Marie-Pier Ysser (Marie-Pierre Pruvot), Andréa Colliaux, and others, each of whom represents a different facet of the transgender experience in France.
2008,
Andréa Colliaux,
Bambi,
Claire Carthonnet,
French,
Marie-Pierre Pruvot,
Monika Kowalska,
Pascale Ourbih,
Director: Françoise Romand
Release Year: 2008
Synopsis:
"Appelez-moi Madame" (Call Me Madame) is a rare and poignant documentary by Françoise Romand that explores the life of Ovida Delect, a French trans woman whose journey from Jean-Pierre Voidies to Ovida Delect embodies a complex intersection of gender, history, and identity. Released in 1986, the film presents a personal and intimate look at Delect's transition, alongside the effect it had on her family, particularly her wife and teenage son. Through the lens of this documentary, Romand provides an invaluable portrayal of Delect, a French poet, politician, and former member of the French Resistance, whose life story resonates with the broader struggles of gender identity and acceptance, especially in post-war France.
Ovida Delect's life, as depicted in the documentary, is marked by profound transformation and resilience. Born Jean-Pierre Voidies on April 24, 1926, in Caen, Delect grew up during a time of intense political and social upheaval. As a young student, she was drawn into the French Resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II, a decision that would shape her life in profound ways. Along with several comrades, Delect joined a small resistance group that was linked to the French Communist Party, posing as a member of the National Popular Youth to infiltrate Nazi lines. She was arrested by the Gestapo in 1944, subjected to brutal torture, and ultimately deported to the Neuengamme concentration camp in Germany. Despite the inhumane conditions, Delect refused to betray her comrades, and her survival is, in many ways, a testament to her inner strength.
2008,
French,
Ovida Delect,
Director: Laurence Périgaud
Release Year: 2012
Original title: Entre il et ailes - Devenir femme à 60 ans
Synopsis:
In 2012, the world witnessed a powerful and poignant documentary, Entre il et ailes – Devenir femme à 60 ans (translated as In einem Jahr zu Christa – Frau werden mit sechzig). Directed by Laurence Périgaud, the film followed the life of Christa Muth, a distinguished professor of management, systems scientist, and transgender activist, as she embarked on a deeply personal and transformative journey to embrace her true identity as a woman. Muth’s story is not just a tale of gender transition; it is a journey of profound self-discovery, courage, and societal reflection that transcends the boundaries of personal experience to become a universal narrative about human rights, identity, and freedom.
Born in 1949 in Rheydt, a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Christa Muth spent the majority of her life navigating the complexities of her gender identity in a world that expected her to fit neatly into the binary roles of “male” and “female.”
2012,
Christa Muth,
French,
German,
Switzerland,
Director: Bruce Bruce
Release Year: 2013
Original title: Vos papiers
Synopsis:
The documentary Vos papiers (2013), also known as ID Please, directed by Bruce Bruce, takes an intimate and poignant look at the lives of seven transgender individuals. Through a unique and compelling format, the film explores the often fraught and painful relationship that transgender people have with their identity papers—those official documents that are meant to represent who we are, but which for many trans people can feel like an alienating reflection of their past, not their present or future. This powerful film, presented at various film festivals around the world, invites viewers to confront the everyday challenges faced by transgender individuals as they navigate the bureaucratic maze of gender identity, legal recognition, and personal authenticity.
At the heart of Vos papiers is a series of candid photo booth portraits, where seven transgender individuals—both transgender men and women—speak openly about their struggles with identity documents. These photo booth images, often seen as a symbol of casual, anonymous documentation, become an unexpected medium for the deeply personal subject matter of gender identity.
Director: Sébastien Lifshitz
Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
Released in 2013, Bambi is a French documentary directed by Sébastien Lifshitz that chronicles the extraordinary life of Marie-Pierre Pruvot, a trailblazing transgender woman who performed for over 20 years in Paris's famous cabaret, Le Carrousel. Known by her stage name, Bambi, Pruvot's career in the world of trans showgirls during the 1950s and 1960s made her an iconic figure, both for her performances and as a symbol of transgender visibility in an era when such stories were rarely told.
Beyond her stage career, Bambi also sheds light on Pruvot's transition from a celebrated entertainer to a respected educator and author.
In a world where transgender lives are often obscured by stereotypes or misrepresentation, Bambi serves as an intimate portrait of a woman who defied the norms of her time to forge a path that was both groundbreaking and personal. Through candid interviews and archival footage, Lifshitz gives viewers a poignant look into Pruvot's journey, her reflections on gender identity, and her transition from a performer to a high school teacher. The documentary not only explores Pruvot's professional trajectory but also touches upon broader themes of transgender identity, societal acceptance, and the struggle for self-realization.
2013,
Bambi,
France,
French,
Marie-Pierre Pruvot,
Monika Kowalska,
Director: Sylvie Levey and Pascal Vasselin
Release Year: 2004
Original title: L'étrange destin du colonel Jin Xing
Synopsis:
"L'étrange destin du colonel Jin Xing" (2004), a documentary by Sylvie Levey and Pascal Vasselin, delves into the life of one of China's most unique and trailblazing figures, Jin Xing. A renowned ballerina, modern dancer, choreographer, and actress, Jin Xing's life story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the courage to challenge societal norms. From her early years in China to her transition as a transgender woman and her rise as a cultural icon, the documentary offers an intimate portrayal of a woman who has defied conventions in both the worlds of dance and gender.
Born in 1967 in Shenyang, China, to an ethnic Korean family, Jin Xing showed an early aptitude for the arts. Her mother was a translator, and her father served as a military intelligence officer. Raised in a family that valued intellectual prowess and discipline, Jin was encouraged to excel academically. However, her passion for dance became apparent at a young age.
At just 9 years old, Jin Xing joined the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), where she received both military and dance training as part of a troupe affiliated with the Shenyang Military Region. By the time she turned 12, Jin had transferred to the prestigious People's Liberation Army Art Academy, where she honed her craft in classical dance. After graduating in 1984, she returned to the military dance troupe and was promoted to the rank of colonel—a rare achievement for a dancer, particularly a woman, in China at the time.
Jin’s discipline and dedication were evident in her performances, and her talent soon gained national attention. Her victory in a national dance competition, where she performed a Central Asian ethnic dance piece, further cemented her status as a rising star in China’s dance scene.
2004,
China,
French,
Jin Xing,
