La felicidad en la que vivo

Director: Carlos Morales
Release Year: 2020

La felicidad en la que vivo is a profound and moving 2020 documentary directed by Carlos Morales, which delves into the life of Samantha Flores, a remarkable 87-year-old transgender woman with a vision to create a nursing home for elderly members of the LGBT+ community. The film not only reflects Samantha’s personal journey but also sheds light on an often ignored issue: the invisibility of elderly individuals within the LGBT+ community.

 

In a world where the focus is typically placed on the youth of the LGBT+ community, often seen as vibrant and rebellious, the existence of older individuals within this group remains largely overlooked. In La felicidad en la que vivo, Morales provides a snapshot of Samantha’s life, capturing her as a passionate, vivacious woman, deeply in love with music, poetry, and the simple joys of life. Through the lens of the documentary, viewers are invited to witness Samantha’s dream of creating a safe, dignified space for older LGBT+ people come to life. Her quest to realize this dream highlights the harsh reality that for many older members of the LGBT+ community, their existence and needs are often erased or ignored. 

 

Samantha’s story is one of acceptance, resilience, and defiance. Raised in a home full of love, she was accepted and adored by her parents at a time when many from the LGBT+ community faced rejection and discrimination. However, the bright period of her youth was followed by darker times, especially after she was forced to leave her hometown. Despite the challenges, Samantha remained determined and unwavering in her pursuit of self-fulfillment. Today, at 87 years old, she finds happiness in her life as a proud transgender woman, and she would not hesitate to relive the love, suffering, and rejection if it meant becoming the woman she is today.

 

Morales’ documentary beautifully captures the essence of Samantha’s happiness as she fights for the rights and dignity of elderly LGBT+ individuals. In one of the most powerful moments in the film, Samantha speaks about her dream of creating a space where older LGBT+ people can live freely, develop, and find joy. She insists, “We exist, we are here, we are real.” Samantha’s resilience is a call to action, urging society to recognize and address the needs of the LGBT+ elderly population. The documentary is framed by a powerful metaphor - the idea of returning to the closet, not out of shame, but to survive and be accepted once again. 

 

This is depicted visually through shots of Samantha’s home and visits to Bellas Artes, with the use of visual elements like a hummingbird and slow-motion imagery, which together represent both vitality and the passage of time. The cinematography, crafted by Daniel Zuñiga and produced by Claudia Vicke, reinforces the emotional weight of the narrative, highlighting Samantha’s struggle while also celebrating her unwavering spirit. The film also explores a critical issue that is often ignored in discussions about aging: the sexual and emotional needs of elderly LGBT+ individuals. There is a prevailing misconception that aging means abandoning one's desires, passions, and interests, and this film works to debunk that myth.

 

Through Samantha’s candid reflections and the film’s visual storytelling, La felicidad en la que vivo brings attention to the often overlooked lives of elderly LGBT+ people, showing that their joy, vitality, and struggles deserve to be seen and celebrated. In her advocacy for the elderly LGBT+ community, Samantha has not only created a symbolic vision but also a tangible reality. Laetus Vitae (translated as "Happy Life") exists as the first nursing home of its kind - providing a space where elderly LGBT+ people can live with dignity, free from discrimination. This space is a testament to Samantha’s vision and a beacon of hope for others who may feel marginalized or invisible. 

 

The documentary highlights Samantha’s personality - her humor, her love for the arts, and her relentless drive to make a difference. Her vivid, outspoken character is a stark contrast to the stereotypical portrayals of trans individuals, often confined to youth or beauty. By choosing Samantha as the subject of his documentary, Carlos Morales brings visibility to an underrepresented group within the LGBT+ community, namely older transgender women. Samantha’s life is captured not only in the context of her activism but also in the quiet, personal moments that give meaning to her existence - dancing to mambo music in her living room, feeding hummingbirds, attending classical music performances. These simple joys underscore the film’s message that happiness does not come from ignoring the difficulties of life but from accepting and embracing them as part of one’s unique journey.

 

The director, Carlos Morales, has described the importance of this project as part of a larger effort to promote diversity and inclusivity in Mexican cinema. Morales, who won an Ariel Award for his previous documentary Sinfonía de un mar triste (2017), sees La felicidad en la que vivo as an opportunity to shine a light on the lives of elderly LGBT+ people and inspire broader conversations about inclusion and visibility. As Morales explains, it is essential for society, the authorities, and institutions to work together to create real change. For this to happen, it is important that the state guarantees the rights and well-being of these individuals, and that society at large demands this recognition. 

 

Through its intimate portrayal of Samantha’s life, La felicidad en la que vivo invites viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of aging, identity, and inclusivity. The film calls for a world where everyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation, can live authentically and with dignity. The film was first presented at Ambulante in May 2020, as part of the Ambulante en Casa Festival. Since then, it has been showcased at various international festivals, further broadening its reach and impact. It was nominated for Best Documentary Short Film at the 2021 Ariel Awards, bringing additional attention to the critical issues it addresses. Morales’ film is not just a tribute to Samantha Flores and her activism but also a call for societal change - one where elderly LGBT+ people are no longer invisible, but rather seen, valued, and celebrated.

 

In addition to its advocacy for the elderly LGBT+ community, La felicidad en la que vivo also tackles larger themes of resilience, the passage of time, and the power of love and acceptance. Samantha’s words, drawn from a poem by Pita Amor, exemplify the power of self-empowerment and the importance of embracing one’s flaws and imperfections. Samantha’s message is clear: happiness is not found in perfection but in acceptance and in living life on one’s own terms. In conclusion, La felicidad en la que vivo is a poignant and essential documentary that sheds light on the lives of elderly LGBT+ individuals, whose experiences and needs are often overlooked. 

 

Through the lens of Samantha Flores’ life and activism, the film not only celebrates her resilience but also calls for a broader societal recognition of the dignity and humanity of elderly members of the LGBT+ community. Morales’ film is a powerful reminder that everyone, regardless of age or identity, deserves to live a life filled with happiness, respect, and acceptance.

 

via: youtube

 latempestad.mx and ambulante.org

Image credits: YouTube