Brianna: A Mother's Story

Director: Iwan Roberts
Release Year: 2025

Some stories linger in the heart long after the credits roll, leaving behind a sense of urgency, sorrow, and hope. Brianna: A Mother’s Story is one such documentary, a profoundly moving tribute to Brianna Ghey, a vibrant 16-year-old girl whose life was tragically cut short in 2023. More than just a retelling of events, the film is a deeply personal exploration of grief, resilience, and the fight for a safer world in her memory. Brianna was a bright and spirited young woman who touched the lives of those around her with her warmth and humor. But behind her infectious smile was a teenager navigating the challenges of growing up, facing bullying, and searching for acceptance in an often unkind world. Her life was cruelly stolen when she was lured to a park and brutally attacked by two teenagers, Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe. She had once considered Jenkinson a friend, unaware of the dark intentions brewing beneath the surface.

I Am Her

Director: Sasha Pezenik
Release Year: 2016

"I Am Her," a 2016 documentary directed by Sasha Pezenik, offers an intimate and raw exploration of the lives of transgender women living on the fringes of New York City. The film highlights the struggles, resilience, and the often-overlooked human stories of individuals within the transgender homeless community, showcasing their battle for self-acceptance and survival. Set against the backdrop of a church in the West Village that extends a helping hand to these individuals, the film offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of street life and the transformative power of community and expression.

Mi Reflejo

Director: Yolanda Cosgaya and Silvia Pedraza
Release Year: 2016

Mi Reflejo is a poignant and insightful documentary directed by Yolanda Cosgaya and Silvia Pedraza, released in 2016. The film takes an intimate look at the lives of transgender children, teenagers, and young adults, exploring their everyday realities through personal stories. These narratives, shared either by the individuals themselves or their families, aim to deepen our understanding of the transgender experience and, importantly, to make visible the struggles and demands of a community that has long been marginalized.

Elise

Director: Evan Sterrett and Jo Bradlee
Release Year: 2016

Released in 2016, the documentary "Elise" offers a raw and intimate portrayal of a young, black, transgender woman named Elise, who navigates the harsh realities of homelessness and survival sex on the streets of Washington, DC.

Continuum II

Director: Daniela Maldonado Salamanca, Tomás Espinosa, Paula Gempeler, and Ana Bravo Pérez
Release Year: 2020

"Continuum II" is a profound and evocative documentary released in 2020, directed by Daniela Maldonado Salamanca, Tomás Espinosa, Paula Gempeler, and Ana Bravo Pérez. This project is part of the Red Comunitaria Trans initiative, a collective of transgender individuals working together to highlight the stories and struggles of transgender people in Colombia.