Jeanne d'Trans

Director: Niko Kostet
Release Year: 2016

In 2016, Finnish filmmaker Niko Kostet released Jeanne d'Trans, a captivating documentary that delves into the complex subject of gender roles and the individuals who challenge them. The film presents a vibrant exploration of various people’s experiences as they confront, defy, and redefine traditional gender expectations.

 

By featuring the stories of burlesque performers, a female pastor, and Europe’s only transgender professional wrestler, the documentary highlights the courage and defiance of individuals who refuse to conform to society's narrow definitions of gender. The film’s conception began serendipitously when Kostet met Jari Heinonen while working on another documentary titled Työttömyys ei ole kirosana (Unemployment is not a curse). Heinonen was one of the interviewees for the project, and as the two got to know each other better, Kostet discovered that Jari had a secret: Jari was also Monica, a transgender woman. This revelation sparked the initial idea for a film that would explore the lives of transgender individuals and the experiences of those who navigate the complexities of gender identity. Jeanne d'Trans premiered at the Vinokino Film Festival in Turku, Finland, in October 2016 and has since made its way to several international film festivals. In the documentary, Kostet showcases the lives of several individuals, each of whom challenges the traditional boundaries of gender, making it a striking tribute to human dignity and the joy of living authentically. 

 

Before beginning production on Jeanne d'Trans, Niko Kostet was unsure of how he could add to the ongoing conversations around sexual minorities and gender identity. Discussions on transgender issues were already widespread in the media, with topics such as legal reforms and societal acceptance frequently appearing in news outlets and TV programs. However, after some contemplation, Kostet decided to approach the subject from a fresh perspective, one that would not be bound by extensive background knowledge or preconceived ideas. He set out to experience the world of transgender people firsthand. 

 

Kostet describes his approach as an adventure, one that allowed him to document the lives of transgender individuals in a direct and immersive manner. Without aiming for an academic or heavily researched film, he wanted to depict the everyday experiences of these people and the ways in which they defy traditional gender norms. The result is a film that is uplifting and celebratory, with a clear focus on joy and human dignity that transcends gender and sexual orientation. The documentary’s lighthearted tone is reflected in its scenes, which feature people shopping, visiting salons, attending burlesque performances, and marching in Pride parades. Rather than a dry or clinical examination of the issues at hand, Kostet aimed to highlight the colorfulness and positivity of these experiences, steering clear of the typical "interrogation-style" interviews that are often present in documentaries about marginalized communities. 

 

Kostet sees Jeanne d'Trans as a film that starts where many other documentaries on transgender issues end. Most films, he observes, conclude once the person has made the decision to transition and has reached a sense of self-acceptance. In contrast, Jeanne d'Trans captures the journey that takes place afterward: the full embrace of life and all its possibilities. The individuals featured in the film, Kostet explains, are full of energy and vitality. Despite any hardships or challenges they may have faced in their past, they have moved forward with confidence and joy. This celebratory approach to gender and identity allows the film to offer an optimistic and affirming view of the transgender experience. According to Kostet, the people he met during filming truly "take every ounce of joy from life," and he was thrilled to be a part of that experience. For these individuals, the struggles of the past, such as divorces, years of living in the wrong gender, or difficulty in making the decision to transition, do not define them. Instead, their focus is on the future, on the possibility of living authentically and fully. 

 

One of the most memorable moments for Kostet during the making of Jeanne d'Trans came from his encounter with Jessica Love, a transgender professional wrestler who defies traditional gender roles in a field known for its hypermasculine image. Wrestling, a sport characterized by dramatic physical confrontations and carefully scripted storylines, is a domain where gender expectations are rigidly defined. Jessica Love, however, challenges these norms, and her presence in the ring is a powerful statement about the fluidity of gender. Kostet, a long-time fan of professional wrestling, was fascinated by Jessica’s story and eager to learn more about the inner workings of the sport. However, he soon discovered that Love was reluctant to break the illusion of wrestling. She declined to explain the scripted nature of the matches or reveal how winners were determined, opting instead to preserve the mystery that makes the sport so captivating for its fans. This encounter serves as an intriguing metaphor within the context of the film. Much like wrestling’s scripted narratives, the ways in which society constructs gender roles are often predetermined and rigid. Jeanne d'Trans, however, aims to show that the performances we create around gender are just that - performances. These roles can be rewritten, reshaped, and redefined. 

 

The title Jeanne d'Trans evokes a powerful and mythic resonance, drawing a parallel between the subject of the film and Joan of Arc, a figure who was both revered and persecuted for defying gender expectations in her own time. Kostet admits that the name was chosen because of its mythical associations, which perfectly suit the film's exploration of gender identity and transformation. The myth surrounding Joan of Arc - whether she was a woman dressed as a man, or perhaps the world’s first transgender person - has been the subject of debate for centuries. Kostet acknowledges that this is an unprovable notion, much like the existence of the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot, but he believes the name Jeanne d'Trans works both symbolically and internationally. It’s a name that embodies the courage to break free from societal constraints and embrace one's true identity, regardless of the rules that may govern the world around them. 

 

Jeanne d'Trans has received widespread acclaim and has been featured in film festivals around the world, including in the United States, Nepal, Romania, and Los Angeles. The film has been praised for its approachable and positive tone, as well as its ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds in a shared understanding of gender identity. Kostet has been pleasantly surprised by the global reach of the film, noting that even though the characters come from different cultures and worlds, audiences are able to find a common thread of humanity and joy. The film has also been well-received for its handling of the subject matter. It avoids the typical tone of academic discussions or polemics surrounding transgender issues, instead focusing on the personal stories of individuals who live their truth with courage and positivity. 

 

Jeanne d'Trans is a powerful documentary that challenges traditional notions of gender and identity, offering a joyful and celebratory exploration of the lives of transgender individuals. Through the experiences of burlesque artists, a female pastor, and a transgender professional wrestler, the film showcases the resilience and vibrancy of people who refuse to be confined by society's expectations. Niko Kostet’s film stands as a testament to the transformative power of living authentically and embracing one’s true self, regardless of societal norms. With its international reach and universal themes, Jeanne d'Trans invites viewers to reconsider their own perceptions of gender and identity and encourages a broader, more inclusive understanding of what it means to be human.

 

via: dailymotion

 ess.fi and imdb

Image credits:dailymotion