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: Eduardo Gión
Release Year: 2011
Synopsis:
"Madame Arthur" (2011), directed by Eduardo Gión, is a compelling documentary that delves into the life and career of one of Spain's most iconic and beloved cabaret performers, Madame Arthur. Known for her powerful presence and audacious performances in Barcelona's underground scene during the 1970s and 1980s, Madame Arthur—born Modesto Mangas in Villavieja de Yeltes, Salamanca—became a central figure in the world of travesti cabaret, a form of performance that blends drag, transvestism, and theatrical artistry. This film provides an in-depth portrait of a man who not only defied societal norms but helped shape the landscape of queer performance during a politically and socially tumultuous period in Spain.
The documentary is inspired by the book Memorias Trans: Transexuales, transformistas y travestis by Pierrot, a prominent Spanish performer in her own right. Pierrot’s memoirs offered Gión a glimpse into the world of cabaret performers, including some of the era’s most legendary figures such as Christine, Alexandra the Great (also known as Gayle Sherman or "48"), and Dolly Van Doll. This reference material, along with Gión's passion for the underground culture of the 1970s, led him to the remarkable story of Modesto Mangas, who would later take on the persona of Madame Arthur.
2011,
Alexandra the Great "48",
Gayle Sherman,
Spain,
Spanish,
Director: Kaiton Kalaitzidis
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.
2001,
Barcelona,
Spain,
Spanish,
