Club Amazonas

Director: Roberto Fiesco
Release Year: 2016

"Club Amazonas" (2016), directed by Roberto Fiesco, is a poignant and deeply moving documentary that explores the complex and painful realities faced by transgender migrants from Central America, particularly those escaping the oppressive forces of misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia.

 

This film presents the story of two young transgender women, Jessica Mavissa Barrera and Anyela Sharlot Zuniga, both from Honduras, who embark on a perilous journey seeking safety, acceptance, and a better life as they cross the Mexican border in hopes of finding a more tolerant and secure existence in the United States. The narrative is not just about migration; it delves deeply into the intersection of identity, personal freedom, and the harsh realities that marginalized individuals face when they decide to live authentically. Jessica and Anyela’s story is one of courage, resilience, and the search for belonging. 

 

They were born male but chose to embrace their true gender identities as women, a decision that led them to flee Honduras, a country where they were subjected to social and legal discrimination, violence, and rejection. The documentary, as described by director Roberto Fiesco, is ultimately one of success. Through dedication and perseverance, Jessica and Anyela successfully secured humanitarian refuge in Mexico, despite the many obstacles they encountered along the way. However, their journey is far from a simple or straightforward one. After spending three days on the road, they find themselves stranded in the town of Tenosique, Tabasco, a place where the migrant community, especially transgender individuals, faces severe prejudice and persecution.

 

"Club Amazonas" is not just another film about the migration crisis in Central America. While it certainly touches on the broader theme of migration, it does so through a unique lens - one that focuses specifically on the migration of transgender individuals who are fleeing for the chance to live as their true selves. The film sheds light on the challenges faced by these individuals, not only in their home countries but also in their journey through Mexico, where they are often met with hostility and discrimination. It marks a significant contribution to the discussion surrounding sexual diversity and the rights of LGBTQ+ people, particularly transgender individuals, in the context of migration. 

 

The documentary is significant for several reasons. It is likely the first (or one of the first) films to offer an in-depth exploration of the experiences of transgender migrants from Central America, capturing their stories through the voices of Jessica and Anyela. Their narrative is a critical part of the larger conversation about LGBTQ+ rights, particularly the rights of transgender individuals who face extreme violence, systemic exclusion, and the denial of basic human rights. Fiesco co-wrote the film with Julian Hernández, and it was developed as part of a project supported by the Migrant Human Rights Network and the Human Rights Commission of the Federal District.

 

The documentary's focus on transgender migrants is a critical intervention in a broader cultural conversation about migration, human rights, and the fight for equality. By centering the experiences of transgender individuals, "Club Amazonas" challenges viewers to reconsider the often invisible struggles faced by LGBTQ+ migrants, particularly those who find themselves stranded at the edges of society, struggling to survive in an unforgiving world. The story of Jessica and Anyela unfolds against the backdrop of Tenosique, a small town in Tabasco that has become a key point along the migratory route for many Central Americans heading toward the United States. 

 

In Tenosique, transgender individuals often find themselves caught between the demands of survival and the harsh realities of a society that does not easily accept their gender identities. Here, two important groups - "La 72," a migrant shelter and advocacy organization, and "Club Gay Amazonas," a local LGBTQ+ organization - work tirelessly to support migrants in need, particularly those from the transgender community. These groups, along with the local LGBTQ+ community, fight for the human rights and dignity of people who are often overlooked and excluded from mainstream society. "Club Amazonas" focuses specifically on Jessica’s and Anyela’s experiences as they navigate their journey through Tenosique.

 

The documentary gives viewers an intimate look at their struggles and interactions with local migrant advocacy groups, which provide support, shelter, and a sense of community. The support offered by these groups is crucial, as they offer a lifeline to individuals who have been rejected by their families and home communities. In addition to the legal and social challenges of migration, transgender migrants face a unique set of obstacles related to their gender identity, making their journey even more perilous. 

 

The film also captures the profound emotional and psychological toll of migration, particularly for transgender individuals who are constantly at risk of violence and exploitation. As Jessica and Anyela reflect on their lives and the choices that led them to leave Honduras, they must confront the realities of living as transgender women in a world that does not always offer the acceptance and support they need. Their story is a microcosm of the larger struggles faced by transgender individuals worldwide, who are often marginalized and denied basic rights simply because of their gender identity. In addition to its focus on migration, "Club Amazonas" is also a powerful meditation on identity, love, and the pursuit of freedom.

 

The documentary explores the ways in which gender identity and love intersect, showing how the decision to live as one's authentic self can have profound personal and social consequences. Jessica and Anyela’s journey is not just about finding a safe place to live; it is about the search for a life that honors their true selves, free from the oppression and discrimination they faced in their home country. Through the lens of their story, "Club Amazonas" also addresses the broader social and legal issues that force people to migrate in the first place. Misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia are powerful drivers of migration, and the film highlights the urgent need for greater tolerance, understanding, and legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide. 

 

It asks viewers to reconsider their perceptions of migration, especially when it comes to individuals who are fleeing not just for survival but for the chance to live as their true selves in a world that often denies them the right to exist freely. "Club Amazonas" is a groundbreaking documentary that brings the experiences of transgender migrants to the forefront of the conversation about migration and human rights. By focusing on the stories of Jessica and Anyela, the film offers a glimpse into the lives of those who are often left behind in discussions about migration, human rights, and LGBTQ+ issues. It is a powerful reminder of the need for greater compassion, understanding, and support for marginalized communities, and a call to action for a more inclusive and just world for all individuals, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

 

In conclusion, Roberto Fiesco’s "Club Amazonas" is a remarkable and important contribution to the field of documentary filmmaking. Through the story of Jessica and Anyela, it brings attention to the often overlooked experiences of transgender migrants, shedding light on the complex and multifaceted issues they face. The film challenges viewers to confront their own biases and misconceptions about gender, identity, and migration, while offering a powerful message of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom. As such, "Club Amazonas" is not just a film about migration; it is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the right to live authentically and without fear.

 

via: youtube

 theopenreel.com and imdb

Image credits: YouTube and IMDB