Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival, one of only ten festivals of its kind in the world is returning in 2021 for its second virtual edition for its 16th year! They continue to showcase the newest trans talent in the film industry.
The entire program can be streamed anywhere in the US via https://watch.threedollarbillcinema.org/Translations includes 7 diverse and compelling features, and although we shouldn’t have a favorite (but we do) ensure you don’t miss No Ordinary Man.
It’s the story of musician BILLY TIPTON who has iconic status in the trans community. Tipton’s story starts with his death in 1989 when after decades of living as a closeted trans man, his ‘secret’ was discovered and his very successful life just became a tawdry tabloid story. Trans filmmaker CHASE JOYNT and his co-director AISLING CHIN-YEE have chosen to tell Tipton’s story as a very imaginative documentary that focuses on not just its historical importance but also its relevance to today’s transgender community.
From Sweden comes ALWAYS AMBER. an intimate, observational doc is a rare, vérité-style glimpse into the secret and public lives of teenagers, and the complicated webs they weave. It presents a year in the life of Amber, a Swedish teenager, and Sebastian, their best friend, as they explore gender transition and fluidity. Carefree and social media savvy, Amber and friends transition physically and emotionally as their sense of selves and relationships with one another unfold and evolve. Directed by Hannah Reinikainen Bergenman (as Hannah Reinikainen Bergeman), Lia Hietala
The Drama Queen One of just a few Asian films featuring a transwoman actor, this lighthearted, action-packed adventure stars Huong Giang (Miss International Queen 2018) as Duong, a struggling stuntperson making barely enough to survive. One day, Duong discovers a life-threatening conspiracy that causes them to go into hiding from criminals. At the urging of a friend, Duong secretly signs up for gender-affirming procedures in Thailand. Soon after, her estranged father suddenly falls ill, and the financial burden causes Duong to risk anonymity by entering a cis beauty pageant in hopes of winning the grand prize to help pay the hospital bills. Can she claim the crown while staying one step ahead of the mob?
Valentina and her mother Márcia find themselves on the move once again after the high-schooler is discovered to be trans. Life seems hopeful, though, after they land in a small town where nobody knows them and they can start anew. They just have to get the school forms signed by both parents so that Valentina can use her chosen name and gender—but tracking down her absent father is near impossible, and time is running out. As the summer unfolds, Márcia finds a nice boyfriend, Valentina meets some cool new pals at summer school, and everything seems like it might work out this time. Valentina starts to open up and relax into being a real teenager, hanging out and going to parties with Júlio, who is gay and trying to find love, and pregnant Amanda. Directed by Cássio Pereira dos Santos
Meet Nikki and Elise, a couple of bubbly queers who share their journey of becoming parents to their adopted daughter Sansa, who struggles with leukemia. In this encouraging documentary, the Richards family explores the complexity of marriage: what happens when one partner comes out as transgender, caring for an ill child, and finding out that remission is not the end of life’s challenges. Director Jena Burchick‘s insightful look into the lives of regular folks with complicated problems uses an empathetic lens to draw viewers into this adventure, reminding us of the power of honest introspection and the comfort of being with loved ones in challenging times.
In a working-class neighborhood in São Paulo, Brazil, gender-defying teenager Baghdad trots around with skateboard in hand, socializing both with the boys at the local skate park and a fun-loving family of tough, emancipated women. Baghdad is finding out who they are and who is worth their time. When a group of girl skateboarders shows up, Baghdad wonders if perhaps these new friends hold the secret to another way of living. This charming coming-of-age drama was the winner of the Crystal Bear for Best Film in the Generation 14+ program at the Berlin Film Festival. Directed by Caru Alves de Souza
