The compelling drama depicts a 24-hour period in the life of Fernanda / Feña (Lío Mehiel), a recently transitioned trans man that awaits for his father to come from Chile into town (NYC), enjoys the company of a younger sister who ran away from school bringing her own concerns and has encounters with ex-boyfriend John (Cole Doman), who is back in the city to take her off his mother.

The hours period in which the story develops shows the hurries, stresses, and complications in the life of the protagonist,  communication issues among others are present in the way of life chosen.  Talking to John, Feña remarks “I was watching myself doing things and I was not really there” referring to her past as John´s girlfriend, there is still attraction though…  Fania is trans but is still her/himself.

The rain is Fania´s good companion, rain is another character in the movie, one that has a cathartic effect.  After the Father arrives at Newark, we listen him feel guilty,  and we watch both of them argue horribly about gender and self-identity.

Confrontation leads to acceptance in this character story of a transitioned man, that also deals with the complexities that surround gender, identity, queer lifestyles, and ethnic intersectionality.

Vuk Lungulov – Klotz its director, says the film is about “in betweenness” and foresight the film authentically reflects the experience of being caught between two worlds whether tha´s race, gender, nationality or sexuality.

 

Mutt, directed by Vuk Lungulov – Klotz is streaming across the US by OUTFEST Film Fest,  and then will have 
its theatrical premiere on August 18 at Film Forum NY 

 

Review by José Mayorga , Guatemala, Central America lawyer and notary public, visual artist, and editor of El Azar Cultural, lives and works in Guatemala City. Cinema lover, curious about the possibilities life brings and eager to live the experience.