19 Jan Films that focus on transgender and non-binary experiences
Gender diversity and the transgender experience are on show in these selections from the Mardi Gras Film Festival.
We’ve got films by and about transgender people, from documentaries, dramas and comedies. They span the vastness of life, and will have you laughing, crying and hopeful for the future.
Narrative Centrepiece
Finlandia – In rural Mexico a group of muxes – the indigenous Zapotec “third gender” – band together to survive and thrive creating beautiful traditional dresses in Finlandia, a poignant and vibrant magical realist drama about the power of fashion, found family, spirituality and, ultimately, hope.
See You Then – A decade after abruptly breaking up with Naomi, Kris invites her to dinner to catch up on their complicated lives and Kris’ transition. Old wounds and new revelations spark their explosive reunion in See You Then, from trans director Mari Walker, a dialogue-driven character study highlighting the power of truth and reconciliation.
Trans and Gender Diverse Shorts – From animation to relationships, familial and otherwise, to journeys of self-discovery and more, these short films exploring trans and gender diverse stories are hopeful, considered and beautiful.
Instructions for Survival – A masterclass in emotional storytelling and shines a light on the struggle to seek asylum as a transgender person. A beautiful love story emerges as this documentary unfolds.
Hetero – Despite the title, this captures the evolving queer American high school experience as five teens recruit heteros to save their Gay-Straight Alliance from disbandment. Filled with impeccable youth vernacular and more one-liners than you can shake a stick at, plus: Everyone’s gay + no one dies <3.
Coming to You – A compellingly insightful look into LGBTQ+ life in Korea from the perspective of two mothers trying to support their children through the challenges they face. Deeply personal and inspiring, this doco is not to be missed.
Manscaping – In this documentary, filmmaker Broderick Fox has identified a thread of kinship amongst queer folks and their feelings of being othered in barbershops – traditionally masculinist spaces.
Sediments – The Spanish transgender women in this doco are strong and powerful, but it doesn’t shy away from showing their struggles with their identities and sometimes one another. A thought-provoking, moving and inspiring piece.
Death and Bowling – In vivid retro colours, the arthouse film Death and Bowling mixes magical realism with John Waters surrealism and an (almost) all-trans cast and crew.
