"Germino Pétalas No Asfalto" (2022), directed by Coraci Ruiz and Julio Matos, is a poignant documentary that follows Jack’s gender transition amidst a turbulent socio-political backdrop in Brazil. As Jack embarks on his gender transition, the country plunges into an era marked by extreme conservatism, driven by the rise of a far-right government and the devastation of a global pandemic. Through an intimate portrayal of Jack’s life and the experiences of his close-knit group of friends, the film showcases a profound network of love and solidarity that emerges in response to an increasingly hostile environment.
At its core, "Germino Pétalas No Asfalto" begins with a seemingly simple premise: following Jack’s gender transition, which he begins in 2016 with hormone therapy, documented openly in front of the camera. However, as the film progresses, it evolves into something far more complex. What begins as an intimate diary of Jack's personal journey becomes a political statement, a manifesto of resistance, sometimes bold, other times stilted - an outcry that lends voice to those deeply affected by overwhelming prejudice. The film’s political and social message is undeniably significant, particularly in a country like Brazil, where transgender people are among the most persecuted in the world.
By offering visibility to this marginalized community, "Germino Pétalas No Asfalto" itself becomes an act of rebellion. However, it is crucial to consider how the message is conveyed - not only through its subject matter, but also through the form of the film. In the discourse between form and content, cinema is primarily about form. The content exists because the form precedes it, shaping how the message is received. At times, the film’s aesthetic choices falter, detracting from its otherwise impactful message. In the early sections of the documentary, which focus on Jack’s personal journey, the images possess an almost sublime power. Jack engages directly with the camera, inviting the viewer into his world with a sense of openness and intimacy. The audience grows emotionally attached to him, eager to follow his transition. Yet, as the film expands its scope in the second half, introducing other characters and attempting to delve into larger themes like the rise of Bolsonaro and the COVID-19 pandemic, the film loses its focus. The narrative meanders, with new characters entering the scene who, while part of Jack’s larger support network, fail to contribute meaningfully to the central story or reinforce its political message. This shift is most evident in the contrasting tones between scenes.
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One powerful moment shows Jack in a medical consultation, discussing the possibility of a mastectomy, a deeply personal and intense scene that resonates with profound emotional weight. However, this is followed by a more theatrical and disjointed segment about trans witchcraft, which feels out of place, detracting from the urgency and authenticity of Jack’s journey. The transition from intimate, heartfelt moments to more abstract and experimental elements leaves the viewer disoriented and questioning the film’s priorities. While the personal aspects of Jack’s transition carry the weight necessary to address the politically charged topic of trans visibility in a conservative society, the repetitive political framing throughout the film can feel overwhelming and tiresome. It is in the moments of quiet intimacy, particularly during the final interview with Jack, that the documentary truly shines, and the sensitivity of the direction becomes undeniable. These scenes demonstrate the power of documentary cinema to open a window into a world that, while we know it exists, is often underrepresented or misunderstood. Learning about Jack’s story serves as a reminder of the countless other "Jacks" who, even in the face of a nefarious and violent government, fight daily for the right to exist as they are.
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Despite its flaws, "Germino Pétalas No Asfalto" stands as an important documentary that brings the transgender experience into focus within the context of a Brazil increasingly steeped in conservatism. Directed by Coraci Ruiz and Julio Matos, the film attempts to tackle various intersecting themes, but ultimately, this approach detracts from its central narrative. The exploration of gender transition is handled powerfully, but when broader political issues like Bolsonaro’s rise to power and the pandemic are introduced, the film struggles to maintain its coherence. One of the key strengths of the film is its portrayal of the physical and emotional aspects of gender transition - the anxieties, the progress, and the final realization that the process is, in many ways, never fully complete. Yet, as the film branches out into additional themes, such as the pandemic and the socio-political climate, it loses focus. These elements, although important, feel inserted without much depth and ultimately dilute the film’s central purpose.
The documentary’s segment about the pandemic and food delivery serves as an example of the film’s broader struggle with coherence. While the scenes attempt to illustrate a sense of community among marginalized groups, they fail to provide the necessary context to help the audience understand how this grassroots resistance functions. The brief glimpses of solidarity are poignant but underdeveloped, leaving the viewer with a sense of incompleteness. The most effective moments of "Germino Pétalas No Asfalto" are the quieter, more intimate exchanges between Jack and his friends. These personal interactions emphasize the strength of emotional support and friendship in the face of overwhelming adversity. It is through these moments that the film’s message of love and solidarity, amidst social isolation and political oppression, becomes clear. In terms of its stylistic choices, "Germino Pétalas No Asfalto" at times leans into experimental territory with the inclusion of drawn elements and graphic overlays. These interventions create a sense of ongoing activism but can be distracting at times, as seen in the scene involving a group ritual centered around Inanna, where the juxtaposition of prayer and electronic music feels forced. This artistic experimentation, while potentially powerful, struggles to maintain a consistent tone throughout the film.
Ultimately, the film’s greatest strength lies in its sincere portrayal of a community struggling for survival and respect in a time of intense political hostility. However, its failure to consistently weave together its various thematic strands makes it difficult to engage with on a deeper level. Despite these challenges, "Germino Pétalas No Asfalto" remains a vital contribution to the discussion of transgender rights and visibility in a country that has become increasingly hostile to its most vulnerable populations. The documentary’s poignant moments of intimacy and its portrayal of the trans experience make it a film worth watching, even as it stumbles in its attempt to expand its scope.
Image credits: YouTube
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