Reina de Corazones

Director: Guillermo Bergandi
Release Year: 2016

"Reina de Corazones" (Queen of Hearts), a poignant 2016 documentary directed by Guillermo Bergandi, continues to remain a vital piece of cinema in understanding the ongoing struggles of the trans community, especially in the context of Argentina. Despite being created several years ago, its relevance has only grown, as the trans community's daily challenges remain far from resolved, even in the face of legal advancements like the Gender Identity Law. In fact, this film captures the complex interplay of societal acceptance, the long-standing effects of institutionalized discrimination, and the resilience of the trans community.

 

The documentary opens with a chilling quote from the now-deceased Monsignor Quarracino, an Argentine Catholic bishop, whose derogatory remarks about homosexuals, transgenders, and other minorities who don't adhere to the "heteronormative" model, still resonate today. Quarracino's words, made public during an appearance on national television, reflect the deep-seated bigotry that has historically shaped public discourse. The audacity with which he suggested sending marginalized communities to a separate island to create their own "state" is a reminder of how entrenched and normalized such views once were - and in some corners, continue to be. Though such extreme rhetoric may seem archaic, the film underscores that the echoes of such attitudes still reverberate, particularly in regions where tolerance is minimal. The societal changes needed to fully embrace trans individuals and their rights have been slow, and while progress is being made, the fight for equality is far from over. The trans struggle is not just a matter of individual rights but a collective fight for social recognition, equality, and dignity. 

 

One of the documentary's most striking features is its exploration of the ways in which trans people, especially women, come together to form supportive, self-sustaining communities. This theme is embodied in the Cooperativa Ar/TV Trans, a theater collective founded and led by trans women and travestis (a term often used in Argentina to refer to people who are assigned male at birth but live as women). This collective not only acts as a creative space but as a haven for these women, who often face systemic exclusion from mainstream society. The film does not try to force a didactic or simplistic understanding of the differences between the identities of trans and travestis, but rather emphasizes that these labels are largely constructed by external forces, not intrinsic to the people themselves. By showcasing the lives of these women, "Reina de Corazones" reveals the richness and diversity of the trans experience, illustrating how one’s identity is shaped by society, personal experiences, and the continual need for self-expression in an often-hostile world. 

 

The documentary captures not only the systemic issues faced by the trans community, but also delves into the personal and emotional lives of its characters. The film paints a vivid picture of their hopes, dreams, and the occasional humor that arises from their collective strength and resilience. The generational differences within the group are also explored, highlighting how each woman’s journey through the trans experience is unique. For instance, a trans woman who transitioned in the 1980s had a very different set of challenges compared to one who transitioned in the 1990s or 2000s. The generational distinctions showcased in the documentary offer a broader perspective on the trans experience, emphasizing that there is no singular, monolithic narrative of what it means to be trans. This is a key point that the documentary explores with sensitivity and depth - much like how it would be absurd to claim that all men or women are the same, it would be equally misguided to assume that all trans people share identical experiences. The film skillfully challenges any notion of uniformity within the trans community, portraying a wide spectrum of personal histories, desires, and expressions of identity. 

 

Another recurring theme throughout the documentary is the role of family in the lives of the women featured. The film portrays the deeply personal journey of transitioning, not just as a change in appearance, but as a transformation that impacts familial relationships. For some, family acceptance is a long, difficult road, while for others, rejection and estrangement are painful, enduring realities. The documentary highlights these dynamics with empathy and care, shedding light on the complexity of familial relationships within the context of the trans experience. Moreover, the documentary addresses the stark contrast between life in Buenos Aires - where social and cultural acceptance, albeit still imperfect, is more widespread - and the far less tolerant provinces of Argentina. Many of the women interviewed speak of the challenges they face when moving beyond the capital, where rural and conservative attitudes can create a climate of hostility and discrimination. The film provides a compelling look at how regional differences in Argentina shape the experiences of trans individuals, demonstrating that social acceptance and tolerance are not guaranteed even within the same country. 

 

What sets Reina de Corazones apart from other documentaries about marginalized communities is its use of humor, a weapon of survival for its protagonists. The film effectively captures the wit, sarcasm, and self-awareness of the women involved, who use humor to cope with their struggles and assert their dignity in the face of societal rejection. This humor is not just a defense mechanism but an expression of their strength and ability to find joy even in adversity. The documentary’s tone, despite its serious subject matter, is often lighthearted, which allows it to convey the resilience of the trans community without being overly sentimental or melodramatic. The film’s humor provides a balance to its more somber moments, ensuring that the portrayal of trans lives is both multifaceted and deeply human. 

 

The journey behind the creation of Reina de Corazones is as compelling as the story it tells. In March 2014, director Guillermo Bergandi was invited by a friend to continue teaching theater to the women of the Cooperativa Ar/TV Trans. What began as a teaching opportunity soon transformed into a deeply personal project. Bergandi began to bond with the women, learning about their struggles and dreams, and recognizing the importance of using film as a means to tell their stories. Many of the women involved in the cooperative work in the sex trade, often as a result of exclusion from the job market. Their marginalization is a central theme of the documentary, but so too is the transformative power of art and community. The cooperative serves as a space of personal growth, where the women not only learn the craft of acting but also experience emotional support and solidarity. Bergandi, who had previously worked in cinema and advertising, saw in these women not just subjects for a documentary but agents of change, capable of challenging societal norms through their art. The film was supported by INCAA (National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts) and the Universidad del Cine, and it gradually took shape throughout 2015. Released in 2016, Reina de Corazones has since been featured in over 30 international film festivals, receiving five awards and numerous accolades. 

 

At its core, Reina de Corazones is an essential documentary for understanding the complexities of the trans experience, not just in Argentina but globally. It highlights both the struggles and triumphs of the trans community, and challenges us to reconsider our assumptions about gender, identity, and acceptance. By focusing on the lives of real women, the film brings the issue of trans rights to the forefront in a way that is both deeply personal and universally relevant. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action in the face of systemic oppression and an invitation for all of us to engage more deeply with the struggles of those who are often marginalized. Guillermo Bergandi’s sensitivity as a director allows Reina de Corazones to serve as both a compelling piece of activism and a poignant exploration of human lives. With its mixture of humor, humanity, and urgency, the film is a necessary conversation starter - one that continues to resonate today, as the fight for trans rights and acceptance marches on.

 

via: youtube

 asalallena.com.ar and imdb and laizquierdadiario.com

Image credits: YouTube