Continuum II

Director: Daniela Maldonado Salamanca, Tomás Espinosa, Paula Gempeler, and Ana Bravo Pérez
Release Year: 2020

"Continuum II" is a profound and evocative documentary released in 2020, directed by Daniela Maldonado Salamanca, Tomás Espinosa, Paula Gempeler, and Ana Bravo Pérez. This project is part of the Red Comunitaria Trans initiative, a collective of transgender individuals working together to highlight the stories and struggles of transgender people in Colombia. 

 

The documentary captures the lives of six trans women, whose narratives serve as a powerful statement on the intersection of gender violence, resilience, and identity. The project is presented in the form of a video installation that features a series of performances, providing an intimate look at the lived experiences of its participants. These women, coming from various regions across the country, share their personal accounts of overcoming gender-based violence, revealing the challenges they face within a society that marginalizes them. Through the lens of "Continuum II," we gain insight into their lives, struggles, and dreams for a world where they can exist without fear and with dignity. 

 

Red Comunitaria Trans is not just a project but a community, a movement, and a sanctuary for transgender individuals in Colombia. The initiative began in August 2012, with transgender sex workers from the Santafé neighborhood in Bogotá taking the first steps toward organizing and advocating for their rights. From its inception, the Red has become a center for collective action and thought, blending artistic, political, cultural, and community-driven efforts into a single force for change. These early leaders sought to create a space where transgender individuals could have a voice, a platform, and the ability to transform the narratives surrounding their existence. Over the last decade, Red Comunitaria Trans has employed art as a transformative tool, blending creative practices with social action. Through various artistic projects, the community has created a powerful space for collective expression. The organization's work seeks not only to document the realities of transgender lives in Colombia but also to challenge societal structures that perpetuate violence and discrimination. One of the group's most significant efforts has been the use of audiovisual creation as a form of advocacy, serving both to raise awareness and to protest the systemic violence transgender individuals face. These artistic productions are not just a means of documentation but also an invitation for dialogue, reflection, and transformation. They aim to shift the narrative surrounding transgender individuals in Colombia, moving from a place of victimhood to one of empowerment and agency. The videos and performances featured in "Continuum II" are a direct reflection of these ongoing efforts, capturing the voices of those who have been silenced for far too long. 

 

"Continuum II" is a powerful extension of Red Comunitaria Trans’s vision to create art that transforms social contexts. The documentary is not merely a collection of stories; it is an active attempt to reconstruct the history of transgender individuals in Colombia, one that is often omitted from mainstream narratives. Through the performances and intimate storytelling, the film explores themes of identity, resistance, and the deep-rooted impact of gender violence. The documentary was carefully curated to reflect not only the personal stories of the six trans women featured but also the broader collective experience of the transgender community in Colombia. It underscores how art can be a tool for resistance and a form of healing for individuals and communities. The members of Red Comunitaria Trans have used their collective artistic practices to engage in what they describe as a "process of social transformation." The project's goal is to empower marginalized communities, particularly those that have been subjected to violence, to reclaim their narratives and to work toward a future where they are no longer defined by oppression and fear. 

 

The making of "Continuum II" exemplifies the power of collaboration and collective creation. The documentary is the result of a multi-faceted effort involving a diverse range of contributors. Artists, sex workers, musicians, philosophers, filmmakers, makeup artists, and writers all worked together to bring the project to life. This collective process was vital in ensuring that the voices of the trans women featured in the film were not only heard but actively engaged in shaping the final product. From the beginning, "Continuum II" was constructed as a shared project, emphasizing the importance of community and solidarity in the creation of art. The filmmakers and participants worked together to craft a narrative that was authentic, compelling, and true to the lived experiences of the trans women featured. It was a process that emphasized mutual learning, support, and empowerment. The collective nature of the project also allowed for the exploration of different mediums and artistic expressions, including video, performance, music, and storytelling, all of which work in harmony to bring the film's message to life. 

 

One of the key initiatives of Red Comunitaria Trans is the creation of "La Travestiteca," a curatorial project designed to showcase the work of transgender artists and activists. This initiative serves as a space for the ongoing documentation of the collective's artistic and social efforts, expanding the scope of their work to include new projects, cultural activities, and civic engagement. "La Travestiteca" also preserves the local history and community processes taking place in the Santafé neighborhood, offering a space for reflection and engagement with the broader public. "Continuum II" is an integral part of this curatorial vision, with its themes and performances forming an essential part of the larger narrative of transgender resistance and resilience. As Red Comunitaria Trans continues to expand its work, the documentary and its surrounding projects will continue to shape the conversation around transgender rights and the fight against gender violence in Colombia. By providing a platform for transgender individuals to tell their own stories, the initiative encourages a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by this community and the strength they possess in overcoming them. 

 

At its core, "Continuum II" is a space where violence - especially the gendered violence that transgender individuals endure - can be confronted and understood. The documentary not only exposes the deep scars left by this violence but also sheds light on the collective healing process that is central to the work of Red Comunitaria Trans. The performances featured in the installation serve as both an act of resistance and an invitation for reflection on the injustices that have shaped the lives of these women. It is a space where the pain of the past is not ignored but actively addressed and transformed through art, collaboration, and solidarity. Through the creation of "Continuum II" and other related projects, Red Comunitaria Trans demonstrates how art can play a pivotal role in addressing social trauma, building community, and advancing political and cultural change. The documentary is a testament to the power of collective creation and the importance of offering transgender individuals a space to share their stories and define their own identities. 

 

In conclusion, "Continuum II" is not just a documentary; it is a call to action. It invites audiences to engage with the lived experiences of transgender individuals in Colombia, to reflect on the violence they face, and to consider what is necessary to create a world where trans people can live freely and without fear. The Red Comunitaria Trans has shown that through collective action, artistic expression, and unwavering solidarity, transformation is possible, and it is through projects like "Continuum II" that this transformation is realized.

 

via: Vimeo

 redcomunitariatrans.org

Image credits: YouTube