Page 21 - Adelante September Magazine

Once released, they face the harsh recurring realities of trans- phobia and discrimination all over again. The filmmakerʼs goal with this project is to demonstrate the womenʼs resiliency, passion and joy that transgender undocu- mented immigrants possess despite all the social and cultural challenges they face everyday.Ibanez is an undocumented Latinx queer filmmaker and activist from Acapulco. Heʼs been living in the United States for 20 years. Armando is involved in the LGBTQ and immigrant rights movement and is an active member with Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement.The Latinx Womenʼs Short Films program includes the 25-minute documentary, Marielle and Mona. While coming to terms with the death of her partner, Monica continues the fight to give a voice to those who are deemed disposable in Brazil: women, the poor, the LGBT community, and black Brazilians. Marielle Franco, a Brazilian politician and LGBTand human-rights activist, was killed in March 2018.Marielleʼs murder has still not been solved and, as the police investigation drifts, Monica is plunged into a new crisis because of the right-wing anti-LGBT politician Jair Bolsonaroʼs campaign to become Brazilian president.Marielle and Monica tells a personal story of loss, bringing into focus the challenges that lie ahead for LGBT rights and progressive politics in Brazil.Filmgoers should also be on the look out for other festival favorites, which include, Acuitzeramo, a short film by Miguel Angel Caballero, thatʼs beautifully shot in Mexico; Breaking Fast, a Weho romantic comedy; and Changing the Game, a poignant documentary about three teenage transgenders.For more information on Q Films festival, visit https://www.qfilms- longbeach.comTO ADVERTISE IN ADELANTE MAGAZINE CALL 323-256-6639 | WWW.ADELANTEMAGAZINE.COM21