"Kelet" is a powerful documentary by Finnish director Susani Mahadura that tells the story of a young Somali trans woman’s journey to embrace her identity and pursue her dreams of becoming a model. Filmed between 2017 and 2019, the film provides an intimate look at the life of Kelet, a courageous and determined young woman who faces numerous challenges in her quest for acceptance, love, and success in the glamorous world of fashion. Through the lens of her journey, "Kelet" not only explores themes of self-identity, family rejection, and the pursuit of one's dreams, but also addresses the critical need for representation and visibility for Black trans individuals in a society that often marginalizes them.
Kelet’s story begins in Manchester, where she spent much of her life before deciding to return to her childhood home in Finland. Born in Finland to Somali parents, Kelet was a young girl when her family moved to the UK. There, she grew up grappling with her identity as a Black trans woman. Inspired by iconic figures such as Naomi Campbell and Iman, Kelet found strength in their beauty and resilience, which helped her endure the harshest moments of her life. However, when she came out as trans at the age of 19, her family rejected her, leading her to make the difficult decision to return to Finland alone. In Finland, Kelet finds solace and strength in the supportive and vibrant Vogue Ball community, a subculture that has long been a safe haven for marginalized individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans people of color. The documentary shows how Kelet’s return to Finland allows her to reconnect with her roots and immerse herself in the culture of Helsinki, while also rediscovering the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming a model. At the heart of "Kelet" is her resilience - a resilience that is tested time and time again as she navigates the complexities of gender identity, family estrangement, and the often difficult path to self-acceptance. Watching Kelet build a new life for herself, face her fears, and find her place within the world of fashion, the audience witnesses a shy, introspective young woman gradually transform into a confident, fierce individual who is not afraid to dream big.
One of the most significant aspects of "Kelet" is its role in promoting visibility for marginalized communities, particularly trans women of color. Kelet is the first Finnish film to feature a trans woman of color as its protagonist, which makes her story not only groundbreaking but vital. In a society where people like Kelet are often invisible or erased from mainstream narratives, the documentary serves as a crucial reminder of the power of representation. In a powerful statement about the film, Susani Mahadura, the director and writer of "Kelet", explains her motivation behind making the documentary: “We need role models. We need representation. We need stories that celebrate Blackness and gender diversity and that encourage young people to fearlessly follow their dreams. We need a society that is safe for people of all colours and genders.” Mahadura emphasizes that Kelet’s story is not just one of personal triumph, but also a narrative that calls for greater societal change - one that fosters inclusivity and safety for people from all walks of life. The film’s emphasis on representation resonates deeply, as it shows how stories of underrepresented individuals can provide hope, strength, and validation to those who might feel isolated or misunderstood. Kelet’s courage, in choosing to live authentically despite the challenges she faces, serves as an empowering example for others, especially young people from marginalized communities, who may be struggling with their own sense of identity.
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A significant aspect of Kelet’s transformation is her involvement in the ballroom scene - a subculture that has historically been a refuge for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially Black and Latinx trans people, to express themselves and find solidarity. The ballroom culture, known for its “Vogue Balls,” is featured prominently in "Kelet", and it becomes clear how much this community has influenced her growth and self-discovery. Kelet's participation in her first Vogue Ball performance is a pivotal moment in the documentary. When Kelet steps onto the stage, the timid young woman the audience initially meets is replaced by a fierce and confident performer. This moment represents a shift in Kelet’s identity - one that fully embraces her power and celebrates her uniqueness. Through the support of her ballroom friends, Kelet is able to experience unconditional acceptance and love, which fuels her ambition to succeed in the modeling world. In this way, ballroom culture not only serves as a creative outlet for Kelet but also as a vital source of emotional and psychological support. It offers her a space where she can feel safe and celebrated, free from the prejudice and rejection she experienced in her personal life. The vibrant and dynamic world of ballroom is a key part of Kelet’s journey, allowing her to reclaim her narrative and find the strength to keep pushing toward her dream of becoming a model.
The visual aesthetics of "Kelet" were crafted by Helsinki-based designer Marina Veziko, who worked closely with Mahadura to create a visual identity that mirrored the themes of the film. The logotype and headings of the documentary were set in Beatrice Display Black Italic, a typeface that is both elegant and bold, much like the tone of the movie itself. Veziko’s design choices helped to capture the essence of Kelet’s journey - one that is unapologetically bold, yet soft, elegant, and multifaceted. The choice of vibrant colors in the documentary further reflects the energy and vitality of the characters and the world they inhabit. As Veziko noted, the film’s visual identity needed to be “big and bold, but at the same time soft, elegant, and playful.” The design choices successfully complement the emotional and visual elements of the film, helping to tell Kelet’s story in a visually compelling way.
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At its core, "Kelet" is about more than just the story of one young woman chasing her dreams. It is a call to action for a more inclusive and empathetic society - one that accepts individuals for who they are, regardless of their gender, race, or sexual orientation. The documentary stresses the importance of diversity in media and representation, as well as the need for more stories that center on the experiences of people from marginalized communities. Kelet’s story, as told by Mahadura, is one that is both personal and universal. While it showcases the specific struggles of being a Black trans woman in Finland, it also resonates with anyone who has ever faced adversity or felt the weight of societal expectations. Kelet’s journey serves as a reminder that no one should be denied the opportunity to follow their dreams simply because of who they are. In a powerful conclusion, Mahadura writes, “I believe in the power of this story. I believe in Kelet. And above all, I believe in the power of Kelet’s story to make this a safer and more equal society.” With "Kelet", Mahadura has crafted a documentary that is not just a tribute to one woman’s journey, but a call for a better, more inclusive world - one in which everyone can dream fearlessly and live authentically.
"Kelet" is more than just a film about a young woman pursuing her dreams; it is a testament to the importance of representation, resilience, and self-empowerment. Through the lens of Kelet’s story, the documentary shines a light on the struggles and triumphs of marginalized individuals, particularly Black trans people, and offers a poignant reminder of the transformative power of community, self-expression, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. It is a powerful and necessary narrative in today’s world - one that continues to inspire and spark conversations about equality, inclusion, and the need for greater visibility in the media.
Image credits: YouTube
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