El laberinto de las lunas

Director: Lucrecia Mastrangelo
Release Year: 2020

"El laberinto de las lunas" (2020) is a profound documentary directed by Lucrecia Mastrangelo, which explores the lives of transgender individuals, weaving a narrative focused on motherhood and transgender childhoods. The film highlights the personal testimonies of Karla Ojeda (48) and Maira Ramírez (50), two transgender women who navigate the challenges of adoption, and Gabriela Mansilla (42), the mother of Luana, the first transgender child in Argentina to obtain a national ID. Their stories intertwine with songs and poems by Susy Shock, a trans artist, poet, and writer, who provides an emotional and artistic backdrop to the narrative.

 

The documentary delves into the complexities of identity, a labyrinth that is uniquely constructed by each individual. Mastrangelo, a distinguished Argentine audiovisual creator and educator at the School of Cinema and Television in Rosario, brings a unique perspective to the documentary, having already made her mark with previous works such as Sexo, dignidad y muerte. Sandra Cabrera, el crimen impune (2003) and Nosotros detrás del muro (2017). In El laberinto de las lunas, she captures the bright, emotional, and at times painful experiences of her subjects, revealing the beauty and complexities of their lives as they navigate a world that often rejects or misunderstands them. The documentary unfolds through the intimate, day-to-day lives of Karla and Maira, two transgender women from Rosario. Maira, celebrating her 50th birthday, is seen in a long, light dress with tulle, walking arm in arm with her almost-adult son, Piri. Karla, dressed in blue, is accompanied by her partner Miguel and their adopted daughter, Agus. These moments encapsulate the essence of the film: the personal and familial bonds that are at the heart of the transgender experience.

 

The film does not shy away from the struggles faced by these women, but it also highlights the love, strength, and resilience they demonstrate in the face of adversity. Karla's story is one of courage and love. She has been in a relationship with Miguel for over 20 years, and their shared commitment to their adopted daughter, Agus, is a central theme in the documentary. Miguel’s reflection on their relationship highlights the complexities of acceptance in a society that often views him as a "degenerate" for being married to a transgender woman. Despite these challenges, Karla is determined to ensure that her daughter grows up happy and, above all, free. Her love for Agus is evident in the tender way she cares for her, and in the way she recounts a moment when her daughter, rather than the other way around, explained to her what being transgender meant. Maira’s story is equally touching. Having been a transgender woman since the age of nine, Maira's life has been marked by poverty and resilience. She raised her son, Piri, after a former friend gave him to her following her pregnancy. She expresses that money or paperwork were never her primary concerns; all that mattered was the child. In her small shop in her neighborhood, Maira is a well-known figure, admired for her loving nature and devotion to her family. Her humble home, where she prepares a different meal for her son each day, is a place filled with warmth, care, and a deep sense of belonging. 

 

Gabriela Mansilla, in contrast, offers a more somber perspective. As the mother of Luana, the first transgender child in Argentina to receive an official ID, Gabriela speaks out about the systemic issues and harsh realities faced by transgender individuals. She points to the high suicide rates among transgender people and the ongoing struggles for recognition and understanding. Her plea for society to rethink its rigid understanding of gender and to accept the existence of transgender children is a powerful reminder of the importance of education, inclusion, and compassion. Gabriela also advocates for the incorporation of diverse bodies and identities in sexual education curricula, emphasizing the importance of seeing transgender people as individuals rather than as objects of curiosity or judgment. Through the intertwining narratives of these women, Mastrangelo constructs a poignant collage that captures both the mundane and extraordinary aspects of their lives. The documentary is complemented by Susy Shock’s music and poetry, which add a layer of emotional depth and reflection on the transgender experience. Susy Shock herself is featured in the documentary, joining the two mothers in conversation and sharing her perspective on the transgender world. One of her key points is that transgender people have much to offer in terms of beauty and insight, a sentiment that echoes throughout the film.

 

The creation of El laberinto de las lunas was sparked by Mastrangelo’s encounter with Gabriela Mansilla at the 2016 National Women's Meeting (then still called the Encuentro Nacional de Mujeres). Gabriela’s story, particularly her experience as the mother of a transgender child, struck a chord with Mastrangelo, leading her to seek out the other transgender women involved in the project. What began as an exploration of the lives of older transgender women quickly evolved into a deeper examination of family, identity, and societal norms. As a longtime educator and childcare worker, Mastrangelo also brings a unique perspective on the role of education in shaping societal attitudes toward gender and identity. In the documentary, Gabriela argues for the inclusion of transgender issues in comprehensive sex education, a message that Mastrangelo hopes will resonate with audiences across Argentina and beyond.

 

The documentary’s premiere in Rosario in November 2020 was a significant milestone, marking the beginning of its journey through film festivals and its eventual goal of being seen by a wider audience. Mastrangelo’s vision for the film goes beyond simply telling the stories of transgender individuals; she aims to challenge and expand the boundaries of how transgender lives are portrayed and understood. By incorporating the voices of transgender individuals, their families, and allies, the film offers a multi-dimensional view of the transgender experience that is both personal and political. Ultimately, El laberinto de las lunas is a celebration of transgender lives - of their struggles, their joys, and the love that binds them together. It is a testament to the strength of individuals who refuse to be defined by the labels society imposes on them and a call for greater understanding and acceptance. In a world where gender norms are still rigidly enforced, the film offers a vision of a more inclusive and compassionate future, where all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, can live free and true to themselves. Through its vibrant storytelling, El laberinto de las lunas reminds us that identity is a journey, one that is shaped by personal experiences and choices, and that the labyrinth of life is navigated not alone, but with love, community, and understanding.

 

via: youtube

 azoteadeltuyu.com.ar and pagina12.com.ar

Image credits: YouTube