WhatEver Will Be

Director: Esther Prade
Release Year: 2013

In WhatEver Will Be, filmmaker Esther Prade delivers a raw and unflinching exploration of identity, intimacy, and the painful complexity of human connection through the intertwined lives of two transgender women, Cilla van Opstal and Ilona Willemars. Once bonded by their shared experience of living on society’s margins, the women find their friendship slowly unraveling in the face of conflicting desires, identities, and definitions of what it means to be a “real” woman. What begins as a story of solidarity transforms into a piercing commentary on rivalry, disillusionment, and the fragility of chosen families.

Transgender Parents

Director: Rémy Huberdeau
Release Year: 2013

Transgender Parents is a 2013 documentary directed by Rémy Huberdeau, which offers a heartfelt and candid portrayal of the lives of transgender individuals as they navigate the journey of parenting after undergoing gender transition. This film explores the multifaceted experiences of transgender parents, shedding light on the challenges, joys, and emotional complexities that arise when parenting intersects with gender identity. Through intimate portraits of several trans women and trans men, the documentary highlights the nuances of family life, from pregnancy to raising children at various stages, including infants, toddlers, and teenagers.

Model CiTizen

Director: Cecilio Asuncion and Toine Valentin
Release Year: 2013

"Model ciTizen" (2013), a documentary directed by Cecilio Asuncion and Toine Valentin, presents the compelling life story of Brigite Salvatore, a transgender Muslim woman from the Philippines, as she navigates the complex and often painful journey of self-identity and acceptance. The film is not just an intimate portrayal of Brigite's life but also a broader commentary on the struggles of transgender individuals in society. It highlights the prejudices, challenges, and discrimination that many in the transgender community face daily, while also celebrating their resilience, strength, and humanity.

Quebranto

Director: Roberto Fiesco
Release Year: 2013
Title in English: Disrupted

Roberto Fiesco’s 2013 documentary "Quebranto" offers a deeply emotional and introspective portrayal of the life and transformation of Coral Bonelli, a transgender woman and former child star in the Mexican film industry. In this quiet yet expansive film, Fiesco weaves together a rich narrative of Coral’s journey from her childhood as “Pinolito,” a popular child actor in the 1970s, to her later years as a transgender woman living in Mexico City with her mother, Lilia Ortega, also a former actress. Through their recollections, "Quebranto" not only reflects on the personal evolution of Coral but also on the social and cultural dynamics that have shaped her life.

Yo, indocumentada

Director: Andrea Baranenko
Release Year: 2013
Title in English: I, undocumented

"Yo, Indocumentada" (translated as "I, Undocumented") is a poignant 2013 documentary directed by Andrea Baranenko that explores the struggles faced by transgender women in Venezuela. The film tells the story of three transgender women - Tamara Adrián, Desireé, and Victoria - and their tireless fight to be legally recognized in a society rife with machismo and transphobia. Through their stories, the documentary highlights the deep-rooted societal and legal barriers that prevent transgender people from gaining recognition for their gender identity, a basic human right that many countries, including Venezuela, continue to deny.