“International” (shorts program)
Friday, November 15, 2024, 7:00 pm, Roxie Theater
and streaming online Nov. 18 – 24
- Daisy, Prophet of the Apocalypse, dir. Venus Patel, 2023 Ireland, 20 min. 👏
- Stone, dir. Jake and Hannah Graf, 2023 UK, 14 minutes 💝
- Trans Alchemy [Alquimia Trans], dir. Félix Endara, 2024 Ecuador/USA, 8 minutes, in Spanish with English subtitles 👏
- Nest, dir. Willem Koller, 2024 New Zealand, 9 minutes 🤢
- Los Siento [I Feel (For) You], dir. Bella Cintra, 2024 Spain, 7 minutes 👏
- man enough, dir. Beru Tessema, 2024 UK, 25 minutes 💝
Daisy, Prophet of the Apocalypse, dir. Venus Patel, 2023 Ireland, 20 minutes 👏
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| Daisy: Prophet of the Apocalypse |
Daisy: Prophet of the Apocalypse is a mockumentary/experimental film that follows a radical Trans preacher and her cult following. After an encounter with a queer goddess atop a mountain, Daisy embarks on a journey to prophesy the end of the world, and save as many people as she can. She promises salvation for those who denounce heterosexuality, resulting in their ultimate rebirth as monsters in the New Queer World.
It’s an engaging mockumentary, well made, highly recommended.
Stone, dir. Jake and Hannah Graf, 2023 UK, 14 minutes 💝
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| Stone |
“Does being a woman stop you from being a father?” When Tess learns of her estranged father’s death, she travels to the funeral hoping for nothing more than some closure and the chance to meet the woman who stole him from her. Immediately blindsided by the revelation that her father was a transgender woman, Tess starts to wonder what else has been kept from her, turning to her mother for answers. Thinking back on her childhood, Tess sees her father in a very different light. Realising that nothing is as it seems, Tess must challenge not only everything she has been told about her childhood but, most importantly, her understanding of what it meant to be a father.
It’s deeply moving, exquisitely brought to the screen by a talented cast and crew. Definitely a MUST SEE.
Writer/co-director Jake Graf appeared in The Danish Girl and is currently working on a feature film, Lavender.
• IMDb • Official website • Instagram: @Jake_Graf5 • Twitter: @JakeGraf1 • streaming in the UK on Channel 4 online • Iris Prize writeup •
Alquimia Trans [Trans Alchemy], dir. Félix Endara, 2024 Ecuador/USA, 8 min., in Spanish with English subtitles • 🌊 West Coast premiere 👏
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| Alquimia Trans [Trans Alchemy] |
Embracing a quiet and minimalist style, "ALQUIMIA TRANS" serves as a meditative exploration of the power of self-discovery. The visual aesthetic has a deliberately subtle quality that functions as if the participants are speaking to and with each other.
To present a rich and multidimensional narrative, the film intricately weaves interviews with key figures in Latin American trans masculine advocacy. These brave individuals have faced isolation and challenges amid a scarcity of visibility, resources, and support networks. Despite discrimination, they demonstrate immense courage, pioneering the way for future generations and contributing to the progress of the trans community. The featured leaders, who span a variety of ages, have defied societal norms, leaving an indelible mark on generations of trans masculine individuals.
The trans men featured in "ALQUIMIA TRANS" are activists involved in LGBT and trans masculine-specific advocacy in their countries. The film serves as living proof, countering the notion that trans men lack a substantial history of advocacy and empowerment and highlighting the diverse paths to liberation within the trans masculine community.
Very good, a perspective we don’t often hear. Highly recommended.
This film is also listed incorrectly as a world premiere. It premiered at Newfest in New York City.
This film also appears in Program #4, “International.”
Nest, dir. Willem Koller, 2024 New Zealand, 9 minutes 🤢
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| Nest |
Weird, weird, weird. Not my cup of tea at all, but pretty well done, so recommended if you like gross-out horror films.
• no IMDb [not related to the Australian short of the same title by Kahli Gaskin] • Official website • Facebook/Instagram: @NestFilmNZ •
Los Siento [I Feel (For) You], dir. Bella Cintra, 2024 Spain, 7 minutes, in Spanish with English subtitles 👏
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| Los siento [I Feel (For) You] |
That’s the entire program description, so I’ll give you a bit more context. A trans couple in Seville, Spain, and several of their friends discuss the marginalization they have experienced, especially since transition. It’s an honest, authentic conversation. Highly recommended.
man enough, dir. Beru Tessema, 2024 UK, 25½ minutes 💝
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| man enough |
Caleb goes to visit his sister and his newborn nephew, but the sister’s partner is openly hostile. The tension is palpable, the emotions heartfelt, and the performances excellent. The black-and-white photography adds to the atmosphere. Truly an amazing film. MUST SEE.
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