Georgian retired teacher Lia (Mzia Arabuli) promised her deceased sister to find out her missing transgender daughter Tekla. Achi (Lucas Kankava), a neighbor, informs Lia her niece crossed the border and lives in Turkey, he proposes to a reluctant Lía to go in search of her. He will accompany her as a translator for the journey. They decide to set off together the morning after.
Tekla was kicked out of her family´s house when she came out as a trans woman. Lia has a reason to find her, but nobody seems to know about her, nor care. Lia and Achi walk up and down the city’s streets asking for someone never intended to be found. Meanwhile they meet Evrim (Deniz Dumanli), a trans woman lawyer that confronts adversity while fighting for human rights.
Lia, Achí and Evrim, are characters showing profound humanity in this poignant queer drama filmed in a city that has a supporting role, a city of opportunities and contradictions that is a cage for some people.
The film provides an unusual intimate glimpse of the trans community in a country that represses any visibility related to the colors of the rainbow
Director Levan Akin (And Then We Danced) delivers a portrait of Istanbul and a segment of its inhabitants, locals and immigrants showing their cultural roots, their solidarity and care for each other. In film, the fresh breeze from the Bosphorus also soothes the souls of them all.
A moving story in a movie that deserves to be watched
Director received Teddy Jury Award at Berlinale 2024, Jury Award at Premios Maguey, Guadalajara 2024, and the film the Audience Award at Sofia Pride Film Festival 2024.
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.
Labels: 2024, Crossing, Istanbul, José Mayorgas, Levan Akin, Lucas Kankava, Mzia Arabuli, reveiw
