"Call Me Soraya," directed by Daniel Stadelmann, is a poignant and deeply moving documentary released in 2022 that chronicles the emotional journey of a transgender girl named Soraya. This film delves into the personal and societal challenges Soraya faces as she navigates her identity and fights for acceptance, while also shedding light on the broader debates surrounding trans identity and homophobia. The documentary, filmed over six years, captures the struggles, resilience, and determination of Soraya and her family as they confront medical, social, and familial obstacles.
Soraya is a young girl who feels like a female, but biologically, she was born as a boy. Until recently, she attended school as Josué, her given name. At the age of 13, Soraya made the courageous decision to come out as a girl, starting her transition. Initially, the reaction from her peers and the community was somewhat positive, but this acceptance was short-lived. After only a few weeks, Soraya began to face increasing rejection from her classmates, highlighting the harsh realities that many transgender individuals face when they come out. However, the challenges Soraya faces are not limited to her social environment; her family, particularly her father, also expresses resistance to her decision. Her father harbors the hope that Soraya may eventually “change her mind” and return to her previous identity.
This internal family conflict adds another layer of complexity to Soraya's journey, as she grapples with her desire to live authentically while also yearning for familial support and understanding. Despite the challenges, Soraya remains resolute in her desire to transition. She fights for early access to hormone treatments and ultimately, for a sex reassignment surgery. As the film progresses, viewers witness her determination to live as the person she truly feels she is. This journey of self-discovery and perseverance becomes the heart of the documentary, and over the span of six years, it provides a raw, unfiltered look at the difficulties faced by trans individuals, particularly in terms of medical and social acceptance.
For Soraya, the goal of undergoing surgery is paramount. From the beginning of her transition, it was clear to her that living in a body that did not align with her gender identity was unbearable. Soraya’s experience reflects the common sentiment among many transgender individuals who feel trapped in the "wrong" body. She believes that there can be no "true life" in a body that does not match one’s gender identity, making the pursuit of surgery an essential step in her journey toward self-actualization. However, the path to surgery is fraught with obstacles, both emotional and practical. Soraya and her family explore various medical options and weigh the possibilities of undergoing the procedure in different locations, including Thailand, Zurich, and Munich. The choice of location involves complicated decisions, including financial and logistical considerations. Soraya’s struggles are exacerbated when she faces resistance from her health insurance company, which initially refuses to cover the cost of the surgery. This financial hurdle becomes yet another source of stress in Soraya's already difficult journey, highlighting the significant barriers that transgender individuals often face when seeking gender-affirming medical care.
Beyond Soraya’s personal struggles, "Call Me Soraya" also touches on broader societal issues, particularly the ongoing debate around trans identity and homophobia. The film’s portrayal of Soraya’s story adds a human face to the conversation about transgender rights, societal acceptance, and the often harsh reactions transgender individuals face in their everyday lives. Through her experiences, the documentary underscores the importance of understanding and empathy, as well as the pressing need for societal change in how transgender people are treated. The film also offers a glimpse into the complexity of family dynamics when a child undergoes a gender transition. Soraya’s relationship with her father is especially strained, as he grapples with the emotional turmoil of accepting his child’s gender identity. His reluctance, rooted in hope that Soraya might revert to her birth-assigned gender, presents a common challenge for many transgender individuals. Yet, the documentary also highlights the power of love and persistence in the face of adversity, as Soraya continues to fight for her right to live authentically, despite the resistance from her family and society.
The creation of "Call Me Soraya" began with an unexpected opportunity. Filmmaker Daniel Stadelmann was approached by a cameraman with whom he had previously worked on another project. The cameraman, who lived near Soraya’s family, had learned of Soraya’s coming out and was struck by her story. The two filmmakers met with Soraya’s family to discuss the possibility of making a documentary. Without a formal concept or funding at the outset, Stadelmann was drawn to the authenticity of Soraya’s experience and the potential of her journey to shed light on critical social issues. The filming process spanned several years, during which the filmmakers followed Soraya's transition and the evolving dynamics within her family. Stadelmann’s curiosity and desire to capture every moment of Soraya’s transformation drove the production, even as the documentary took shape without a clear roadmap.
As the project progressed, Stadelmann and his team encountered numerous challenges, especially when it came to scheduling shoots with Soraya. On several occasions, Soraya had to cancel filming plans at the last minute, reflecting the unpredictable nature of her journey. Nevertheless, the filmmakers were committed to capturing the essence of her story, knowing that it was important to document her struggles and triumphs. The result is a deeply emotional and engaging film that offers viewers an intimate look at Soraya’s life and her fight for acceptance. The feedback from audiences who viewed the film was overwhelmingly positive, and Stadelmann was thrilled to hear how the documentary resonated with strangers who had connected with Soraya’s story. The film's recognition at film festivals and the positive reactions from viewers were especially rewarding for the filmmaker, who viewed the project as a labor of love.
"Call Me Soraya" is much more than a documentary; it is a powerful testament to the resilience, courage, and strength of a transgender girl determined to live as her true self. The film not only provides insight into the challenges faced by transgender individuals but also highlights the complex dynamics of family relationships, medical decisions, and societal acceptance. Soraya’s journey is one of immense personal struggle, but it also represents a broader conversation about the rights and dignity of transgender people in the face of discrimination and prejudice. Ultimately, "Call Me Soraya" is a call for understanding and change, encouraging empathy and compassion for those who, like Soraya, are fighting for the right to live authentically. It serves as an important reminder of the ongoing struggles that transgender individuals face, but it also offers hope that through perseverance and support, a brighter future is possible for everyone, regardless of their gender identity.
Image credits: YouTube - SRF Dokus & Reportagen
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