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Documentaries
100% Human (100% menneske) (2005) 73 min
A documentary about true identity with a musical twist. When Monica was born, her parents believed she was a boy. They named her Morten. In April 2002 Monica, then 22, had her body surgically corrected to make it fit her real gender. Her mother believes the alternative would have been a grave. Monica has been confiding in a camera during the months
before and after her operation. This has become a rare video
diary. Her total honesty, sense of humour, and direct way of telling things as they are will break down myths and prejudice on people in her situation.
Boy I Am (2006) 72 min
While female-to-male transgender visibility has recently exploded in this country, conversations about trans issues in the lesbian community often run into resistance from the many queer women who view transitioning as a "trend" or as an anti-feminist act that taps into male privilege. Boy I Am is a feature-length documentary that begins to break down that barrier and promote dialogue about trans issues through a look at the experiences of three young transitioning FTMs in New York City--Nicco, Norie and Keegan--as they go through major junctures in their transitions, as well as through the voices of lesbians, activists and theorists who raise and address the questions that many people have but few openly discuss.
The Brandon Teena Story (1998) 89 min
Documentary about Brandon Teena (aka Teena Brandon), a transman, who was murdered along with two others in 1993 in rural Nebraska. The story is told through interviews with people who knew Brandon, recorded interrogation and trial transcripts, and photographs and file film footage.
Just Call Me Kade (2002) 26 min
The inspiring true story of Kade Farlow Collins 14, FTM (female to male) transgender, and living with an incredibly understanding family in Tucson Arizona.
Red Without Blue (2007) 74 min
The intimate bond between two identical twin brothers is challenged when one decides to transition from male to female; this is the story of their evolving relationship, and the resurrection of their family from a darker past.
She's a Boy I Knew (2007) 70 min
Using interviews, animation, old family footage, and voice mail, Vancouver filmmaker Gwen Haworth documents her male-to-female gender transition partially through the voices of her anxious but loving family, best friend, and wife. Calling for a new era of DIY transgender self-representation, Haworths feature debut is a comic, heartbreaking, and uplifting autobiography that breaks away from the marginalized depictions of transsexuals that populate mainstream media and focuses on the interpersonal relationships of a family who unexpectedly find their bonds strengthening as they overcome their preconceptions of gender and sexuality.
Southern Comfort (2001) 90 min
This documentary chronicles the final year in the life of a transsexual man named Robert. It shows how prejudice and ignorance harms those whom are viewed to be "different" in our society. This film shows the love of Robert and Lola, as well as Robert's adopted family.
Trained in the Ways of Men (2007) 98 min
An important and emotional documentary about the life and death of Gwen Araujo - a transgender teen - and the subsequent trials of her killers. Her mother has a large role (rightly so), and teaches others as she learns about what being transgender means and the issues surrounding this often tortuous state. She admits her own short-comings, too, which is refreshing. The people on trial are the usual assortment of despicable types - but the film is more about society's view of the value of the life of a person they may not understand. There is a great comparison to a similar case in a nearby jurisdiction - and the very different reaction of that community. It's amazing the ignorant things people will say on camera! The filmmaker also added an interesting layer by quizzing many key people involved, as well as people on the street, with "what gender are you?" and then "how do you know?" and gets some surprising, thought-provoking answers.
"TransGeneration" (2005) 272 min
This film is groundbreaking for its subject matter. It marks the first time transsexual issues are discussed without jeer or finger pointing in mainstream (as mainstream as sundance is) media. However, it presents a limited definition of transsexual - someone who plans to or is altering their primary or secondary sex characteristics. While I might prefer the film include individuals who identify as transsexual but are not transitioning, this diversity would likely confuse people more unfamiliar with the trans world. So, A+ to the filmmakers for their justified and well-presented risk-taking, and to the participants in the film for their bravery and their willingness to be educators on an international level.
Trantasia (2006) 88 min
Trantasia is a no-holds-barred behind-the-scenes look at the first-ever World s Most Beautiful Transsexual Pageant.' With a starring role in a sensational new Vegas Revue as a high-stakes backdrop TRANTASIA explores the intensely private and moving stories of its extraordinary contestants. Told through provocative hometown profiles and heartbreaking one-on-one interviews the film documents the often humorous always personal journeys of these true survivors. United by common histories of hardship and persecution these women will finally realize their diva dreams. Their ultimate triumph is a moving celebration of the human spirit.
You Don't Know Dick: Courageous Hearts of Transsexual Men (1996) 75 min
Lyle, Max, Michael, Steven, Ted, and James: a photographer who lifts weights, a cop, a mechanic, writers, an artist; one is gay, at least three are in serious relationships with women; one was in the seminary; one has three children from a previous marriage. All six were born female, and all are female-to-male ("FTM") transsexuals. They talk about childhood, deciding to make the change, telling parents and friends and co-workers, testosterone therapy, surgeries, organs, embracing their histories, and how their lives are now. Friends, a parent, lovers, and two children also talk. All six men express joy at their new-found and more complete identities.
Venus Boyz (2002) 103 min
Gabriel Baur directs the documentary Venus Boyz, an intimate look at drag king culture and female masculinity in various parts of the world. Starting out on Drag King Night in New York City, the film introduces the lives of several women who discuss their fascination with dressing up like men. Mildred Gerestant is a data processor who performs in the evenings as a male rapper named Dred. Dressed as businessman Danny King, Diane Torr runs workshops to show other women the fine art of drag king-dom. Other subjects include Bridge Markland from Germany, Del LaGrace Volcano from London, and several others.
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Biographies
Beautiful Boxer (2003) 118 min
Based on the real life story of Parinya Charoenphol, a Muaythai boxer who underwent a gender reassignment surgery to become a woman. The movie chronicles her life from a young boy who likes to wear lipstick and wear flowers to her sensational career as kickboxer whose specialty is ancient Muaythai boxing moves which she can execute expertly with grace and finally her confrontation with her own sexuality which led to her gender reassignment surgery
Boys Don't Cry (1999) 118 min
Based on actual events. Brandon Teena is the popular new guy in a tiny Nebraska town. He hangs out with the guys, drinking, cussing, and bumper surfing, and he charms the young women, who've never met a more sensitive and considerate young man. Life is good for Brandon, now that he's one of the guys and dating hometown beauty Lana. However, he's forgotten to mention one important detail. It's not that he's wanted in another town for GTA and other assorted crimes, but that Brandon Teena was actually born a woman named Teena Brandon. When his best friends make this discovery, Brandon's life is ripped apart.
The Christine Jorgensen Story (1970) 98 min
Although the film attempts a sympathetic depiction of its protagonist, and pleads for sympathy for transsexuals (and for anyone who is "different"), there is also a great deal of sensationalism here, in shrill scenes badly performed by little-known actors. The movie has gone on to achieve a cult movie status. Among the slogans in the movie's ad campaign was this statement, allegedly made by Jorgensen: "Dresses and dolls were my world as a boy". The film includes an embarrassing and awkward scene in which George Jorgensen, as a boy, puts on one of his sister's dresses and smears his mother's lipstick on his face. In fact, the real Christine Jorgensen stated that she never cross-dressed during her boyhood.
Ed Wood (1994) 127 min
Movies were his passion. Women were his inspiration. Angora sweaters were his weakness.
Soldier's Girl (2003) 112 min
Barry was a private with the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army, stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Calpernia was working as a showgirl at a transgender revue in Nashville, Tennessee when the two met in 1999. Barry's roommate Justin Fisher brought Barry to the club where she performed. When Barry and Calpernia began seeing each other regularly, Fisher began spreading rumors on base about their relationship, which appeared to be a violation of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy about discussing the sexual orientation of military personnel. The film depicts the increasing harassment and pressure Barry faced, which exploded into violence over Fourth of July weekend.
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Fiction
20 centímetros (20 Centimeters) (2005) 112 min
A narcoleptic transvestite who yearns to become a transsexual dreams up elaborate musical numbers in which she's the star.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) 104 min
Two drag-queens (Anthony/Mitzi and Adam/Felicia) and a transexual (Bernadette) contract to perform a drag show at a resort in Alice Springs, a resort town in the remote Australian desert. They head west from Sydney aboard their lavender bus, Priscilla. En route, it is discovered that the woman they've contracted with is Anthony's wife. Their bus breaks down, and is repaired by Bob, who travels on with them.
The Adventures of Sebastian Cole (1998) 99 min
In June, 1983, in Dutchess County, New York, Sebastian Cole joins his mother, step-father, and sister for dinner. Hank, Sebastian's step-father, drops a bomb: he announces he's changing sexes. Sebastian's sister splits immediately for California, and his mother takes him back to England. Jump ahead eight months, Sebastian is back in New York, knocking on Hank's door. Hank (now Henrietta, although all the surgeries aren't complete) takes Sebastian in and is his rock over the next few months of high school. Sebastian's "adventures" are mostly self-destructive.
Better Than Chocolate (1999) 101 min
Two attractive young lesbians, Maggie and Kim, meet in Vancouver, develop a passionate romance, and move in together. Meanwhile, Maggie's well-meaning but naive mother Lila gets divorced and decides to move to Vancouver and join the household. Soon after, Lila is befriended by Judy, a transsexual about to undergo a gender reassignment surgery. Complications ensue as the conservative Lila learns the truth about Maggie, Judy, and their diverse group of friends.
Breakfast on Pluto (2005) 101 min
As foster kid Patrick "Kitten" Braden (Murphy) grows up, he leaves behind his small-town life in Ireland for London, where he's reborn as a transvestite cabaret singer in the 1960s and 70s.
The Crying Game (1992) 112 min
An unlikely kind of friendship develops between Fergus, an Irish Republican Army volunteer, and Jody, a kidnapped British soldier lured into an IRA trap by Jude, another IRA member. When the hostage-taking ends up going horribly wrong, Fergus escapes and heads to London, where he seeks out Jody's lover, a hairdresser named Dil. Fergus adopts the name "Jimmy" and gets a job as a day laborer. He also starts seeing Dil, who knows nothing about Fergus' IRA background. But there are some things about Dil that Fergus doesn't know, either.
Different for Girls (1996) 97 min
Karl Foyle and Paul Prentice were best mates at school in the Seventies. But when they meet again in present-day London things are definitely not the same. Karl is now Kim, a transsexual, and she has no desire to stir up the past while she's busy forging a neat and orderly new life. Prentice, on the other hand, has charm but is a social disaster stuck in a dead-end job. His main talent is for getting them both into trouble. Amid the squabbles, they start to fall in love. One night, Kim invites Prentice to a romantic dinner at her flat. Prentice, finding the seduction unexpectedly effective, freaks out. He proceeds to make a public display of both of them and winds up in court. Humiliated and angry, Kim runs away. Only she can save Prentice now, but will true love triumph for a new made woman and an aging punk?
Glen or Glenda (1953) 74 min
A psychiatrist tells two stories: one of a transvestite (Glen or Glenda), the other of a pseudohermaphrodite (Alan or Anne).
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001) 95 min
A transexual punk rock girl from East Berlin tours the US with her rock band as she tells her life story and follows the ex-boyfriend/bandmate who stole her songs.
Kinky Boots (2005) 107 min
Charles Price may have grown up with his father in the family shoe business, but he never thought that he would take his father's place. Yet, the untimely death of his father places him in that position, only to learn that Price & Sons Shoes is failing. While in despair at his failed attempts to save the business, Charles has a chance encounter with the flamboyant drag queen cabaret singer, Lola. Her complaints about the inadequate footwear for her work combined with one of Charles' ex-employees, Lauren, leads to a suggestion to change the product to create a desperate chance to save the business: make men's fetish footwear. Lola is convinced to be their footwear designer and the transition begins. Now this disparate lot must struggle at this unorthodox idea while dealing both the prejudice of the staff, Lola's discomfort in the small town and the selfish manipulation of Charles' greedy fiancée who cannot see the greater good in Charles' dream.
Ma vie en rose (My Life in Pink) (1997) 88 min
Ludovic is a small boy who cross-dresses and generally acts like a girl, talks of marrying his neighbor's son and can not understand why everyone is so surprised about it. His actions lead to problems for him and his family. A movie that addresses transgender and gender issues in general through the eyes of a child.
Normal (2003) 110 min
After being married to Irma for 25 years, Roy decides the stress of being a woman in a man's body has grown intolerable. He unburdens himself to Irma and their pastor, shocking them both. Roy's decision to pursue a gender reassignment surgery is greeted with intolerance and disgust by some of his co-workers and members of his church. Irma eventually comes to some understanding, and supports Roy through his journey to becoming "Ruth."
Princesa (2001) 94 min
Fernando/Fernanda, a 19-year-old Brazilian transvestite, travels to Milan and becomes a prostitute to finance a gender reassignment surgery. Fernanda dreams of becoming a "real" woman but in Milan is transformed instead into Princesa, a mysterious figure of allure. She then meets Gianni, a straight-laced, married businessman who falls in love with her. It all seems to good to be true...and is.
A Soap (En Soap) (2006) 104 min
A tragic comedy focused on the relationship between the owner of a beauty clinic and a transsexual. The main concept of this movie is of loving one for who one is, irrespective of gender. So, would you still love your partner if he/she were to change his/her sex? The movie explores that idea and it is a beautiful one.
To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (1995) 109 min
After Vida Boheme and Noxeema Jackson win a major New York drag contest and a trip to Hollywood, they are persuaded to take the inexperienced drag princess Chi-Chi with them. They hire a beat-up old Cadillac and set off for Los Angeles, but their car breaks down in a small town in the middle of nowhere. With just their wits and an endless supply of garish costumes, they transform the town and everyone who lives there—until homophobic cop Sheriff Dollard catches up with them.
Tootsie (1982) 116 min
Michael Dorsey is an actor, but he is having trouble finding any work. He transforms himself into Dorothy Michaels, and he gets a part as a mature woman in a New York soap opera. Dorothy's success as a woman surprises even Michael.
Transamerica (2005) 103 min
A pre-operative male-to-female transsexual takes an unexpected journey when she learns that she fathered a son, now a teenage runaway hustling on the streets of New York.
Victor Victoria (1982) 132 min
Victoria is a poverty-stricken soprano trying to find work in Paris in the 1930's. With the help of a worldly-wise nightclub singer, she invents her alter-ego Victor, a female impersonator who is hired to sing at a fashionable night spot. "You want me to be a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman?" Interwoven throughout the comedy and musical numbers are some surprisingly astute observations about gender perceptions, discrimination and the battle of the sexes.
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Gender Change Fiction
Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde (1995) 90 min
In New York in 1995 Dr. Richard Jacks is a creator of perfumes. Thus he spends his days inventing new colorful and well smelling potions and certainly caring for his girlfriend Sarah Carver. But when he discovers that his greatgrandfather, called Dr. Jekyll, was a scientist with revoluntionary discoveries, he tries to follow the footsteps of his ancestor and creates more and more delicate potions until one of them converts him into a spectacular superwoman: Helen Hyde. Knowing that Richard has no clue of her existence Helen enforces a professional career at the back of her "creator".
Goodbye Charlie (1964) 116 min
Shot by a jealous husband, Charley falls out a porthole and is lost at sea only to find himself returned as an attractive blond woman. His best friend is staying at his house as he puts Charlie's affairs in order and after being convinced, finds himself an unwilling helper in Charlie's new plan to marry into money.
The Hot Chick (2002) 104 min
An attractive and popular teenager who is mean spirited toward others, finds herself in the body of an older man, and must find a way to get back to her original body.
Orlando (1992) 93 min
Young nobleman Orlando is commanded by Queen Elizabeth I to stay forever young. Miraculously, he does just that. The film follows him as he moves through several centuries of British history, experiencing a variety of lives and relationships along the way, and even changing sex.
Switch (1991) 103 min
Steve Brooks is a sexist and the prototype macho. Unfortunately one day he is killed by several of his girlfriends. In heaven, though, there is no place for men like him and he is sent back to earth in the body of a woman so that he can see how women are treated by men like the one he once was.
Willy/Milly (1986) 86 min
Milly is annoyed whenever her mom tells her to behave more appropriate for a girl. She's just not interested in fancy dresses or prom dances. Some day her best friend's little brother offers her a potion which can make her deepest wish come true during a solar eclipse. She goes through with it and ends up with male genitals, additionally. So she has to decide if she wants to life as boy or girl. Her father, who always wanted a son, supports her in checking out life as a boy. Hence Milly changes school and starts out as Willy.
Zerophilia (2005) 90 min
In this provocative teen comedy, Luke, a young man insecure about his masculinity discovers he's a Zerophiliac, with the ability to change sex at will. Join Luke as he journeys into the extraordinary world of Zerophilia where so many crazy questions arise, only one question matters: "Whom do you love?"
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If you know of any TG books, movies, or magazines I may have missed, e-mail them to: rhudson@sactgc.org
If you would like to write your own review, please include that in your e-mail. I would welcome any you wish to share.
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