Espectral

Director: Nadia Granados
Release Year: 2018

"Espectral" (2018) is a groundbreaking documentary directed by Nadia Granados, which offers a compelling look into the world of multimedia political cabaret, created as a collaborative laboratory by seven women who are members of the Trans Community Network (Red Comunitaria Trans) as a part of the Travestiteca project. Through this innovative work, the film delves into the intricate intersections of performance art, creative experimentation, and counter-representation, utilizing the power of critical scenes to engage and challenge societal norms. The documentary vividly portrays the process of deconstructing mass media content and reinterpreting it to highlight the political positions and identities of the performers, creating a potent space for subversive expression.

TEDx Talks: Sally Goldner

Show: TEDx Talks
Title: Sitting in My Comfy Trans Chair
Release Year: 2024

On August 22, 2024, Sally Goldner delivered an impactful and deeply reflective TEDx talk titled "Sitting in My Comfy Trans Chair". As a prominent Australian figure in Victoria’s queer community, Goldner used this platform to explore the complex intersections of gender, emotion, bias, empathy, and leadership within both the LGBTQIA+ community and society at large. Through her rich personal experience, and with her background as an educator, speaker, and advocate, Goldner provided a profound commentary on the emotional discomforts that arise in discussions surrounding transgender identity and offered solutions for how to navigate these challenges with greater understanding and empathy.

Kelly

Director: June Te Spenke
Release Year: 2023

In 2023, the world was introduced to the intimate and emotional story of Kelly van der Veer through the documentary Kelly, directed by June Te Spenke and produced by Amazon Prime. This poignant film traces Kelly’s life from her emergence as one of the first openly transgender women to appear on mainstream Dutch television to the difficulties and triumphs she encountered along the way.

Leitis in Waiting

Directors: Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu
Release Year: 2018

"Leitis in Waiting" is a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching documentary that provides an intimate look at the lives of transgender women, known as "leitis," in the Kingdom of Tonga. Directed by Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, and Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, the 2018 film captures the struggles and resilience of a brave group of transgender individuals who are at the forefront of a battle against growing religious fundamentalism and societal intolerance. At the heart of the documentary is the inspiring story of Joleen "Joey" Mataele, a Tongan LGBT rights activist and the founder of the Tonga Leitis Association, which provides crucial support, advocacy, and a safe space for leitis in the country. Through its powerful storytelling, "Leitis in Waiting" explores themes of identity, acceptance, and resistance within the context of a deeply conservative and religious society. The film offers a rare glimpse into the lives of those challenging discriminatory laws, religious opposition, and societal prejudices. It illustrates how, despite the hurdles they face, leitis like Mataele are fighting not just for their own survival, but for the rights and dignity of the entire transgender community in Tonga.

Tommy Doesn't Exist Anymore

Director: Ian Munro
Release Year: 1985

“Tommy Doesn’t Exist Anymore”, a 1985 Australian documentary directed by Ian Munro, provides an intimate and often poignant glimpse into the lives of three transgender women - Bianca, Simone, and Evelyn - who are navigating the complexities of gender identity, transition, and acceptance in a society that was far less understanding of transgender issues than it is today. The documentary not only chronicles their personal journeys but also explores the societal pressures, family dynamics, and the deeply ingrained prejudices that transgender individuals often face. Through the experiences of these women, Munro creates a powerful narrative that is both specific and universally relatable to anyone who has faced the struggles of self-identity and societal rejection.