Release Year: 2013
Synopsis:
In 2013, Russia’s state-run television network RT (formerly Russia Today) released a documentary titled His Name is Julia, which, despite its relatively short runtime of 30 minutes, offers an intimate and emotional glimpse into the life of Julia Solovyova (Юлия Соловьева), formerly Yuri Ovodov (Юрий Оводов), a transgender woman navigating the complex, often painful process of transitioning. The film addresses universal themes of self-discovery, family conflict, societal rejection, and the hurdles of medical and legal recognition that are often faced by transgender individuals. At its core, His Name is Julia is not just about one person’s transition but about the social, emotional, and psychological landscapes traversed by anyone daring to live authentically in a world that frequently resists change.
The documentary centers on Julia Solovyova, a middle-aged former sports writer who, until recently, lived as Yury Ovodov. Julia’s story is framed within the context of her ongoing journey to understand herself and to convince the people around her—especially her elderly parents—that she is no longer the man she once was. For Julia, this is not just about changing her name and appearance; it’s about confronting years of internalized conflict and, at times, excruciating self-doubt.
