Exploring Transgender Representation: A List of Notable Films from 2017
2017 was a significant year for transgender representation in cinema, with a diverse range of films that explored themes of identity, love, and self-discovery. These films not only entertained but also educated audiences, challenging stereotypes and fostering empathy. Here's a curated list of transgender films from 2017 that deserve your attention.
Documentaries Leading the Conversation
Documentaries played a crucial role in 2017, providing insightful glimpses into the lives of transgender individuals and the broader community.
- Transmilitary (dir. by Gabriel Silverman and Fiona Dawson) - This documentary follows the lives of four transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military, offering a compelling look at their struggles and triumphs amidst the repeal of the transgender military ban.
- Growing Up Trans (dir. by Julia Scott) - A BBC documentary series that follows the lives of seven transgender young people as they navigate their identities and the challenges they face growing up.
Fiction Films Telling Compelling Stories
Fiction films in 2017 offered a mix of drama, comedy, and suspense, each telling a unique story about the transgender experience.
- A Fantastic Woman (dir. by Sebastián Lelio) - This Academy Award-winning film tells the story of Marina, a transgender woman whose lover dies suddenly, leaving her to face societal prejudice and her own grief.
- Boy Meets Girl (dir. by Eric Schaeffer) - A romantic comedy-drama about a transgender woman, Ricky, who falls in love with a man who is engaged to her best friend.
- The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (dir. by David France) - While not a traditional narrative film, this documentary uses reenactments to tell the story of Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender activist and self-identified drag queen who was present at the Stonewall riots.
Transgender Representation Behind the Camera
2017 also saw an increase in transgender filmmakers bringing their unique perspectives to the screen.
- Signature Move (dir. by Jennifer Reeder) - This film follows a Muslim, Pakistani-American woman who discovers her sexual identity and finds love in a Chicago wrestling scene, with a transgender woman of color as the lead character.
- But I'm a Cheerleader (dir. by Jamie Babbit) - A cult classic from 1999, this film was re-released in 2017 and gained renewed attention for its exploration of sexuality and gender identity, with a transgender character played by a transgender actress, RuPaul.
Table: 2017 Transgender Films at a Glance
| Title | Director(s) | Genre | Transgender Character(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmilitary | Gabriel Silverman, Fiona Dawson | Documentary | Four transgender individuals |
| Growing Up Trans | Julia Scott | Documentary Series | Seven transgender young people |
| A Fantastic Woman | Sebastián Lelio | Drama | Marina, a transgender woman |
| Boy Meets Girl | Eric Schaeffer | Romantic Comedy-Drama | Ricky, a transgender woman |
| The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson | David France | Documentary with Reenactments | Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender activist |
| Signature Move | Jennifer Reeder | Drama | Zaynab, a transgender woman of color |
| But I'm a Cheerleader | Jamie Babbit | Comedy | Graham, a transgender character |
These films from 2017 offer a diverse range of stories, perspectives, and representations of the transgender experience. They challenge stereotypes, foster empathy, and contribute to a more inclusive cinematic landscape. By watching and engaging with these films, we can all play a part in promoting understanding and acceptance.
