By Laura Moreno
Emilia Perez (2024)
“Emilia Perez” is a redemption film of sorts that takes the art of filmmaking to a new level. Rhythmic, ballsy, and extremely creative, it boasts perhaps the most talented cast of actors ever assembled, including a transgender Mexican drug lord played by Karla Sofia Gascon, who is herself trans. The film also stars Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldaña, who won an Oscar for her role. It also won an Oscar for best original song (El Mal). Like “The Wizard of Oz,” this film is so far ahead of its time that its greatness may not be fully recognized until some time passes.
Will & Harper (2024)
Will Ferrell’s amazing new road trip documentary “Will & Harper” co-stars Harper Steele, a former SNL writer and long-time friend who has just transitioned to becoming a woman. Raw and real, the film doesn’t shy away from confronting life’s biggest issues. Filled with laughter, a few tears, kindness and hatred, it is ultimately a story of heart-felt, enduring friendship. Audiences love this unique film, particularly its vulnerability. As Harper says, she loves this country and wanted to see if it loved her back. Special appearances by SNL alumni.
A Fantastic Woman (2018)
Made in Chile, this drama is about a likable transgender waitress and occasional singer played by Daniela Vega who insists that her dignity be respected and therefore finds herself at odds with those who view her with suspicion and contempt. After her partner’s sudden death, his family insists she not attend the funeral. But she attends anyway. Surrealistic scenes are creatively peppered into the world-class cinematography. “A Fantastic Woman” is the first transgender film to ever win an Oscar. The soundtrack is equally Oscar worthy.
Call Her Ganda (2018)
Filmmaker PJ Raval explores the life and brutal murder of Filipina transgender woman Jennifer Laude by a U.S. Marine. Such tragedies seem to occur wherever troops are stationed, and occasionally evoke overwhelming protest (as in Okinawa, Japan). But this may be the first time a filmmaker has delved into one of the many tragedies, allowing audiences to see the real face of U.S. Imperialism.
Denial (2018)
This film was originally supposed to be an eco-film about Vermont’s transition to one of the world’s first smart grids. But when CEO Dave Hallquist realizes he could no longer continue living as a man in a very male industry, the film takes on a parallel plot structure. It is the first film ever to document a CEO’s transition to becoming a woman. Christine Hallquist has since gone on to become the first transgender person to win a major party’s nomination for governor. Keep an eye out for a brief appearance by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Regretters (2006)
Directed by Marcus Lindeen, this Swedish film was his first. It’s a liberating film for transgender people who have decided gender reassignment surgery is not right for them. It turns out that some transgender people end up feeling alienated from their bodies after their surgeries. The film features an in-depth discussion with two transgender people who regret having had the procedures. Orlando and Mikael went under the knife hoping to find their true selves. Now in their 60s, the two meet for the first time to talk about their lives and the mutual source of their regret.
Hedwig & the Angry Inch (2001)
This groundbreaking piece of trans-themed musical theater didn’t do so well at the box office when it was released at the turn of the millennium for the most part. But it made a huge impression when it played on Broadway in 2014. It even earned four Tony Awards. The film stands as a testament to the brilliance of its co-creator and star John Cameron Mitchell. It includes an animated sequence illustrating Plato’s gender theory, and a truly exultant ending in which its leads embrace self-acceptance.
All About My Mother (1999)
Like almost all of Pedro Almodovar’s films, this is a fascinating and emotionally satisfying romp into the lives of very interesting characters, despite the film’s heavy subject matter. After a woman tragically loses her son, she goes in search of her son’s other parent, now living under the name “Lola” and ends up joining a community of dispossessed women. All About My Mother won an Oscar for Best Foreign Film of the year and features world class acting, a superb musical score, and always-crisp dialogue. But most of all, it is a tribute to mothers and women in all walks of life.
Boys Don’t Cry (1999)
This excellent, if tragic, film is based on a true story. It is best-remembered for its Oscar-winning performance by Hilary Swank and Oscar-nominated performance by Chloë Sevigny. The film made waves when it was initially given an NC-17 rating (which used to be rated X), but changes were made to the film enabling it to be released with an R rating. It remains a stirring
work of art.
The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (1994)
A fantastic film to behold, then and now, it was an unexpected hit. This super-fun road trip takes place with a bus named Priscilla, two drag queens named Mitzi (Hugo Weaving) and Felicia (Guy Pearce), and a transgender woman, Bernadette (Terrence Stamp) as they cross the Australian desert to perform a drag show at a resort in far-away Alice Springs.
Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)
This unique film takes place mostly within a Latin American jail cell in a country under a military dictatorship as we listen to the conversation of two cellmates. One is a transgender-identifying woman convicted of corrupting a minor, William Hurt . The other is a Marxist played by Raul Julia who is convicted of revolutionary activities. The pair develop a real connection. This was the first independent film ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture; William Hurt won an Oscar for Best Actor, Héctor Babenco won for Best Director, and Leonard Schrader won for Best Adapted Screenplay. And it just may one of the most powerful films in cinematic history.
The Dybbuk (1937)
This film is the original cinematic exploration of what it means to defy traditional definitions of gender. Made in Poland just before WWII and directed by Michał Waszyńskiit, is recognized as one of the greatest Yiddish films ever made. A dybbuk (which means “cling” in Yiddish) is a malicious spirit believed to be a departed soul. This supernatural phenomenon is the explanation offered for why a grieving bride suddenly no longer behaves like a woman. The wedding scene is acclaimed as one of the finest examples of German Expressionism in film. The story has enjoyed a resurgence on the stage with a few plot changes.
Watch “The Dybbuk” free online: https://youtu.be/AVThFw1xx1o
Watch “Emilia Perez” on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81901696
