Director: Angélica Cervera
Release Year: 2021
Title in English: If God Were a Woman
Si Dios fuera mujer (2021), a documentary by Angélica Cervera, explores the journey of a young transgender girl named Laura, capturing her transformation and the emotional journey of her family. Set against the backdrop of a small Spanish town, L'Alfàz del Pi in Valencia, the film chronicles Laura's life as she grows up in a family of Colombian immigrants. The documentary is not just about Laura's gender transition, but also about the profound impact this process has on her family, as they navigate complex emotions, societal expectations, and unconditional love.
Laura, who once lived as a boy named Óscar, began her gender transition at the age of six with the full support of her parents. The film does not focus on the early stages of this transition, but rather captures Laura’s life at the age of nine, when she is already well into her transformation. Now a girl, Laura is excited about her upcoming First Communion - a momentous occasion that serves as a symbolic, political gesture that challenges the traditional views of her conservative family and the Catholic Church, which has often excluded and marginalized transgender individuals.
The film follows Laura during this pivotal moment in her life, documenting her everyday experiences: her moments of joy as she sings, dances, and plays, as well as her struggles, such as her moments of anger and sadness. As she prepares for her First Communion, Laura’s story is intertwined with that of her parents, particularly the contrast between her mother’s unwavering support and her father’s inner conflict. Although he loves his daughter deeply, her father experiences a sense of loss for the son he once had. These dynamics highlight the tensions within the family as they navigate Laura’s transition, demonstrating the emotional complexities of parental love, acceptance, and adjustment to change.
Cervera, who is Laura's cousin, takes an intimate approach in the filmmaking process. She doesn’t rely on expert interviews or testimonies but instead places herself as a “fly on the wall,” allowing her camera to capture over three months of family interactions. This style immerses the viewer in the everyday life of the family, stripping away any sensationalism or political debate surrounding gender identity, and instead revealing a family grappling with the universal challenges of love, change, and support.
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At the heart of Si Dios fuera mujer is a clear and powerful message: beyond biology (gender and sex) and societal ideologies about sexuality, what truly matters is the love, trust, and support that parents provide their children. The documentary powerfully suggests that the key to a child’s happiness is not conformity to societal norms but rather the freedom to express oneself authentically. This resonates with the words of Jesus: “Love one another.” Everything else - gender, identity, and societal expectations - is secondary. The film’s title, Si Dios fuera mujer (If God Were a Woman), is both provocative and meaningful. It invites viewers to reflect on the intersection of religion, gender identity, and societal norms. The First Communion, which is often considered a rite of passage in Catholicism, becomes an act of defiance against an institution that has historically rejected transgender individuals. Laura's decision to undergo this sacrament, while embracing her true identity as a girl, is a powerful statement on breaking down boundaries and redefining traditions.
Through its raw, observational style, the documentary provides a deeply personal look at a family in transition. The intimate details - close-ups of faces, candid moments of joy and sorrow - bring the viewer into the family’s world, making their journey feel relatable and emotional. The familial bond between Laura and her parents, despite their struggles, is at the core of the film. The mother’s unconditional support, paired with the father’s emotional struggle, underscores the complexities of family life in the face of societal expectations and personal growth.
The documentary’s portrayal of Laura’s transition is not only a personal story but also a reflection of broader societal issues, making it a thought-provoking exploration of gender identity, parental love, and societal norms. The film raises difficult questions: Should a six-year-old be allowed to make decisions about their gender? What role should parents play in such decisions? How do religious beliefs intersect with transgender identity? These questions are left to the viewer to ponder, and the documentary does not offer easy answers. Instead, it offers a window into the intimate reality of a family navigating these complex issues with love and care.
Si Dios fuera mujer premiered on July 7, 2022, in Colombian theaters and was well-received at the prestigious Sheffield Doc/Fest, where it won the Jury Award.
As Cervera’s debut feature documentary, the film presents a moving and authentic portrayal of a family’s experience with gender transition, challenging societal norms and offering a nuanced perspective on the power of love and acceptance. Through Laura’s story, Cervera invites us to reconsider the conventions that shape our understanding of gender, family, and identity, ultimately urging us to prioritize empathy and understanding over rigid beliefs.
In conclusion, Si Dios fuera mujer is a tender, emotional, and thought-provoking documentary that captures the complexity of gender identity through the lens of a family’s love and support. Angélica Cervera’s intimate storytelling and raw, unfiltered approach make this a film that resonates deeply, offering a powerful message of acceptance, love, and personal growth. It challenges viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and confront the complexities of gender, family, and society in the modern world.
Image credits: YouTube
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