Señorita María, la falda de la montaña

Director: Rubén Mendoza
Release Year: 2017

"Señorita María, la falda de la montaña" (2017), directed by Rubén Mendoza, is a poignant, thought-provoking documentary that explores the life of María Luisa, a transgender woman living in the conservative, rural town of Boavita, Boyacá, Colombia. The film is not merely a narrative about gender identity and the challenges of being transgender in a deeply Catholic and conservative society; it is an exploration of perseverance, faith, and the unyielding will to remain true to oneself in the face of adversity. With powerful storytelling and an intimate portrayal of its subject, the documentary sheds light on the complexities of gender, family, and spirituality while immersing viewers in the captivating landscapes of Colombia's Andes.

 

Maria Luisa, a 45-year-old transgender woman, was born male but transitioned at the age of 18, choosing the name María to reflect her true gender identity. Her story is deeply tied to the town of Boavita, where she has lived her entire life. Boavita, like many rural towns in Colombia, is steeped in Catholicism, and its conservative values make it a challenging environment for anyone who deviates from the traditional norms of society. María’s journey has not been an easy one. Her birth into a family that did not understand her gender identity marked the beginning of a life filled with discrimination and isolation. As a child, she was rejected by her family, experiencing the deep pain of not being accepted for who she was. Despite this, María’s resilience and determination have allowed her to survive and thrive in a society that has frequently marginalized her. The documentary does not shy away from the challenges María has faced. It portrays the prejudice and exclusion she has experienced, but it also highlights her strength and unwavering faith. María has found solace in her love for animals and the land, spending her days working on the farm, milking cows, chopping wood, and taking care of the animals. Through her actions, the film demonstrates her profound connection to the natural world, a connection that provides her with a sense of purpose and grounding amidst the turmoil of her past. 

 

One of the most compelling aspects of Señorita María, la falda de la montaña is the role that faith plays in María’s life. Despite the hardships she has endured, María remains deeply devoted to her religious beliefs. Her faith is central to her identity and provides her with the strength to face the world with dignity and grace. She finds comfort in her relationship with God and the Virgen de la Estrella, the patron saint of Boavita. In a society where Catholicism is often wielded as a tool of exclusion and condemnation, María’s faith serves as a form of resistance. She refuses to let the rejection of others define her, and instead, she holds steadfast to the belief that, in the eyes of God, everyone is equal. Her faith is not only a source of comfort but also a source of defiance. "Let them mock me and harass me," María says in one of the film's most powerful moments. "I don’t take offense in it. They don’t offend me, they offend my God." María’s unwavering faith stands in stark contrast to the cynicism that often pervades society. In a world where logic and reason are prioritized, María’s belief in a higher power offers a refreshing reminder of the importance of spirituality, especially for those who have been marginalized. For María, faith provides the strength to endure loneliness, prejudice, and hardship, allowing her to live authentically in a world that has tried to suppress her. 

 

The documentary’s setting is equally as vital as its subject. The rural town of Boavita is nestled in the eastern arm of the Colombian Andes, a remote region where time seems to stand still. The town’s isolation, coupled with its deep-seated traditions, shapes the lives of its inhabitants, creating an environment that is both nurturing and stifling. Boavita’s steep, rugged mountains and vast fields provide the backdrop for the documentary, and they mirror María’s own life - isolated, solitary, but also full of beauty and possibility. The Andean landscapes are captured in stunning detail, allowing viewers to experience the raw, untouched beauty of Colombia’s countryside. The camera lingers on the simple, quiet moments of María’s life: walking through the fields, feeding the animals, and tending to her farm. The cinematography is masterful, using silence and natural sounds to convey the emotional depth of the story. The subtle use of sound further emphasizes María’s resilience and the serenity she has found in her connection to the earth. Through the lens of Rubén Mendoza, the film explores how a small town can shape an individual’s identity, for better or worse. The juxtaposition of María’s personal journey with the backdrop of Boavita’s rural conservatism provides a powerful commentary on the clash between tradition and progress, faith and secularism, acceptance and exclusion. 

 

At its core, Señorita María, la falda de la montaña is a story of resilience. The documentary follows María as she confronts her past, deals with her isolation, and navigates the complexities of her gender identity. María’s ability to persevere in the face of adversity is a testament to the power of the human spirit. She is not a victim, though she has been the target of cruelty and prejudice. Instead, she is a survivor - one who has carved out a space for herself in a world that has often been hostile to her existence. The film also explores the theme of identity - both personal and societal. María’s journey of self-discovery is complicated by the fact that she was born male but has always felt that she is a woman. This disconnect between her biological sex and her gender identity has led to a lifetime of challenges. Yet, despite these challenges, María remains true to herself, refusing to be defined by the expectations of others. Her story challenges traditional notions of gender and serves as a reminder that identity is not something that can be neatly defined by society. The documentary also sheds light on the marginalization of individuals who do not conform to societal norms. While María has found a few empathetic neighbors who accept her for who she is, she remains on the fringes of society, excluded from the mainstream. Yet, she never allows her marginalization to define her worth. She has learned to find strength in her solitude and to embrace the love of a few people who understand her. In a world that often rejects those who are different, María’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity and self-acceptance. 

 

Upon its release, Señorita María, la falda de la montaña garnered critical acclaim, earning praise for its sensitive portrayal of a transgender woman in rural Colombia. The film has been lauded for its intimate, humanizing depiction of María Luisa and for its exploration of themes such as faith, resilience, and identity. Critics have praised the film for avoiding the easy route of portraying María solely as a victim of transphobia, instead focusing on her strength and the quiet dignity she carries throughout her life. Felipe González of El Espectador referred to the film as "the portrait of a tenacious person who has overcome marginality," while Manuel Kalmanovitz of Semana described it as "a moving and intimate portrait that reveals the terrible institutional gap behind so much strength and suffering." These reviews capture the essence of the film - its ability to depict the complexity of María’s life and to challenge audiences to reconsider their assumptions about gender, faith, and identity. The documentary was also well-received at various film festivals, including the prestigious Locarno Film Festival and the Edinburgh Film Festival, where it was celebrated for its powerful storytelling and its ability to shine a light on the lives of individuals who are often overlooked by society. 

 

Señorita María, la falda de la montaña is a remarkable film that transcends the boundaries of genre. It is not just a documentary about a transgender woman - it is a meditation on life, faith, and the human condition. Through María’s story, the film challenges viewers to rethink their perceptions of identity and gender, urging them to embrace authenticity and to find strength in vulnerability. María Luisa’s life may have been one of struggle, but it is also one of triumph. She has faced the harshest of circumstances with an unwavering sense of self, finding solace in her faith and in the quiet beauty of the Colombian countryside. Señorita María, la falda de la montaña is an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith, reminding us all that, no matter the obstacles, we can find a way to live authentically and peacefully. In the end, this documentary teaches us a valuable lesson about humility, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to be true to oneself. It is a celebration of a life well-lived, a life that, despite all odds, continues to inspire and move us.

 

via: youtube

wikipedia and thebogotapost.com

Image credits: YouTube