Who I Am (2016) - Award-winning Trans Short Film
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2021
- Who I Am is the story of a transgender teenager from a very religious family who tries to reconcile their identity with their family’s expectations and their faith. It is a story of overcoming rejection and standing strong in our own truth, regardless of outside circumstances.
Written and Directed by Monika Wilczynska
Executive Producer: Frank Neumann
Cast: Paul O’Dea, Adele James, Andrew McKenzie, Marc Aldridge, Dominica Warburton, Ray Richardson, Tiffany Ellen Robinson, Katie Anjuli Singh, Federico Santos Alves, Louis Stannett.
Crew: Rok Verbosek, Laura Sophie Helbig, Jome Joseph, Patrick Renton, Dewen Myrza, Rachel Kloosterman, Joseline Likandja, Gersimos Papachristopoulos, Ana Martins, Liz Bradbear, Moritz Limmer, Fabian Finsterer, Nicole Wan Wong, Quentin Gliech, Maciej Miskiewicz, Sam Woodcock, Marc Hankins.
Who I Am [2016] had a three year long festival run around the world. It screened in the US, Canada, UK, France, India and Uganda amongst others. It got nominated and selected to be screened at 21 International Film Festivals and won 6 awards, including Best Trans Short, Best Performance and Best Director. You can find the full list of awards and nominations below.
Awards:
Depth of Field International Film Festival Awards of Excellence for Best Director [Monika Wilczynska], Best Cinematography [Rok Verbosek], Best Actor [Paul O’Dea], Best Actress [Adele James].
LGBT Toronto Feedback Film Festival - Best Performance Winner
Out On Film, Atlanta’s LGBT Film Festival - Best Trans Short Winner
Nominations and Screenings:
Cannes Film Festival [2017] - Short Film Corner, Montreal World Film Festival, New Fest, New York’s LGBT Film Festival , QFest - San Antonio Film Festival, Queen City Film Festival, Sedona International Film Festival, Toronto Independent Film Festival, 8th Underground Cinema Film Festival Dublin, QCinema Fort Worth FF, Out on Film Atlanta FF, Let’s All Be Free London Film Festival, Queer Kampala - Uganda’s first LGBT Film Festival, Blow Up International Arthouse Chicago Film Festival, New Delhi - U Special International Campus Film Festival 2018, LGBT Toronto Feedback Film Festival, Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival, San Gio Verona Video Festival, Stamped Pensacola LGBT FF, Depth of Field International FF, Rainbow Visions FF, TMC London Film Festival, 8th Toronto Independent Film Festival.
You can get in touch with Monika on social media:
Website ► www.elairecreates.com
Instagram ► / elairecreates
► / elairexplores
Twitter ► / elairecreates
Facebook ► / elairecreates
This was my battle with the catholic church and a transphobic father. I came out at age 45. It's been 6 years since he's spoken to me. This film hit home.
I am so sorry to hear that your father is transphobic. I hope that your life is better now, that you are healing and surrounded by people who value and love you for who you are.
@@ElaireCreates thank you so much.
I'm sorry to hear that girl but it's never been too late for being urself keep ur head up.. we all suffer from this unfair world that makes us feel that sad and loneliness.. hope you find peace
And for me i have to fight all my life because I'm in north Africa an arabic country u can imagine what's can happen if i came out in this muslim country trust me I'm already in hell ..
I too was unfortunately born into a Catholic Family, the unwanted child, banished to a Boarding School in another country. I survived, now many years after HRT i remain a reminder of that Religions inherent cruelty. Kia Kaha Wahine Toa's ,HONI SOIT QUE MAL Y PENSE, UBIQUE.
@@eliasryder8166 Stay strong and know you are never alone. Even in your country their are bound to be thousands of closeted people with the same feelings as you.
To finally look in the mirror and see yourself, how wonderful and what joy.People don't realize how great it is.
"And you dare say I'm detestable?"
Wow. That line hit me hard. All these years I've been telling myself it's a sin. And I should be who I am at birth. Now I can advocate myself. Thank you so much for making such a brilliant shortfilm
i am a trans woman and i have been searching for mtf short films here.
this one caught my eye as this person looks a bit like me
Same
As a woman of 64 who has a trans history, I loved this. I just wore less... flashy clothes when I came out, somewhere in the Cretaceous. seriously, the film brings out a major point: without our cis allies, life is so much worse.
I was raised Mormon, always lying about who I was, even to myself. I left the church after sitting down with my mother and asking her why, if we sing about Jesus loving everyone, are we taught to hate anyone who is different or not ideal? She left with me and through the growth we did together, I came out as agender. But it wasn't really coming out; it was just slowly accepting who I was and putting a word to it. But that word no longer matters as much as the important one: me. I am me, and I can be loved, and my lord loves me for who I am. If he doesn't, then why would he waste the time making such a complex person, and the beautiful beings who have accepted me? We are all valued souls
She talking in church..... BRAVO
I'm very happy that she could come out finally
Breaks my heart to know that in the year 2021 families are still not accepting of their LGBTQIA children 🤦♀️ Sadly, this world is moving backwards. But we shall persevere and will continue to be around, much to the chagrin of the right and religious zealots! Beautiful short film!
Thank You for watching the film Rosie! ❤️ It’s true that in certain areas of the world, including Eastern Europe it feels as though we are moving backwards rather than forwards. It is incredibly sad when parents don’t accept and love their children as they are. :( I’d like to think that despite all that, more and more people also find strength to stand in their own truth and be who they are without shame.
Yes there is 🤦🏻♀️ I’m one of them!!
Not sure when you grew up. Try doing it in the 70s
I know right.
2021, 2022, 3033! Human nature does not change. There will always be bigots, unfortunately.
There are people who make fun of unmarried people, as well. Tormenting LGBTQIA is no better.
Great short. I am a 41 year old Pre-op trans woman who was blessed with an accepting family but I all the time wonder where my life would have gone had I not been accepted. I hate that so many of our siblings have to put up with this kind of lack of acceptance. For any of you out there who needs this you are loved. Despite what you may have been told God loves you. We may never know why God made us this way but God knows. These religious people who use the bible against us tend to take scripture out of context as well as the fact that the bible was changed in 1946 to be against homosexuality. It was oritionaly against pediphelia and the change was backed by the cathlic church. Not only am I a trans woman I am also an Ordained Minister of sperituality. I pray every night that God opens the eyes of the opressors so they can see there wrong doings. I refuse to give up my faith in God despite all we go through. My advice is Keep the faith and don't give up on life or your self. You are all my extended family in God wather you are streight, homosexual, and/or trans. May Dod bless each and every one of you who accept who you are and who we are.
What a brilliant film with a brilliant ending. Go Girl Go1 About time many of these hypocritical, homophobic judgemental "good Christians" had it stuck to them straight. I think it's absolutely criminal for any oraganisation to be teaching sheer intolerance to parents thus dividing families who could otherwise be harmonious. Its high time they pulled down the churches and build more community centres in their place.
Nothing wrong with churches as long as they are accepting of everyone. Not every church is hypocritical. This particular one is. And the term homophobic is misused a lot. I personally don't care. Would I date a trans woman? I don't know. That doesn't mean I'm homophobic. I'm all for trans woman being themselves as long as we accept each other's viewpoints.
@@brandonallen3808 The church and most religious institutions for that matter historically have been breeding grounds for hate. Just look at what Europeans did to basically the whole world through colonization and “spread of Christianity” murdering millions, enslaving millions, and torturing millions.
I know that had to be so hard, and some will support and some will not. But the biggest step is having the heart to accept yourself. People in all walks of life have trouble loving whose in the mirror. So I commend her for her living her truth and standing for what she believes in. So as long as nobody is hurting anyone else. God Bless everyone to find A way to love themselves and most of all love one another. God Is Love.
Truth is, everyone goes through it in their own way.
This is the number 1 reason why I don’t go to churches anymore.
I am a trans woman I have been out for almost two years yet my family does not accept me and expects me to hide who I am around them. I have come out to them twice they told me I thought we talked about this. I am trying to cut them out of my life for my own mental health like she did but they won't let me. I moved out I'm living with my friends and all I want is to be me but everytime they call my anxiety spikes and I want to ignore them but I can't yet..
It's mentally and physically hard to do, but I can tell you from experience that you have to do what's best for yourself. I was disowned by my parents over a decade ago and I cut ties with the rest of my family and almost all my supposed friends because they were extremely hurtful and toxic after I came out as Transgender. I haven't heard from any of them in over a decade. It has been difficult without a support system but it took a lot to be completely on my own but it can be done if it's what you truly want for yourself. Good luck to you and best wishes.
I admire that strength. @@W45Jasper
As @W45Jasper points out, you have to do what's best for you, no matter how hard it is. If they only call to make you feel bad, quit taking their calls. If family gatherings turn into 'bash the tranny' parties, stop attending. Do whatever it takes to survive and flourish and prove them all wrong. The pain will suck, but it will be sooooo worth it!
Great short, well done! Congrats on finally sharing it with the whole world ❤️
Thank you so much and thanks for your support back when it was happening! ❤️❤️❤️
Love that you’ve finally released this ❤️ It’s such a great short!
Thank You so much Ana! So happy you’ve enjoyed it ❤️
so in love with this, great short!
Thank You so much Ari ❤️
As an mtf this girl is really expressing us trying to fit in the society with all of These trans/homophobic people 💔
ok this bought me to tears. I love this so much.
This was such a beautiful film. I just wanted to hug that person and support them throughout the film. Also Sidenote (How has anyone gotten started with HRT? I have not been able find how to begin) it’s frustrating.
To properly start HRT, talk to a transgender care specialist, usually a psychologist. They'll refer you to a endocrinologist who has the right sklls and experience to work with transgender patients and oversee your HRT.
Do NOT go on the black market. Not only is it dangerous (you never know what you're going to get, if the medication is contaminated or something else entirely) but taken without medical supervision the results can be bad (trombosis, liver failure, osteoperosis, etc. etc.).
First step is to talk to your primary care physician, they'll be able to find you a transgender care clinic hopefully not too far away.
You can also search the internet for one of course, and then give that information to your primary care physician (you'll almost certainly need a referral for your insurance and possibly legal reasons).
Do keep in mind that the waiting lists can be very long, depending on where you live.
And always remember: you're not alone out there even though it at times can feel that way. Seek out transgender support groups, they do exist. If you can't find them yourself, your local doctors or mental health workers, or even social services, may be able to bring you into contact with them.
Rosie it doesn't matter what year it is your absolutely right it's horribly sad 😥. But the ignorant masses will continue to become more and more ignorant with each passing day. It's the way of things you know you can see the trends as it becomes more and more difficult and embarrassing for us to admit we are human beings just like those horrible religious zealots. That think they know everything and in actuality know nothing.
I really like tthis short film an the backgroun music is so nice too what is the title?
I was doing some praying myself,... that this beautiful person didnt attempt suicide as so many trans kids do and have done. The pressures put on us trans folk by family, church, school, work, society to conform to societal norms can be unbearable, especially for kids brought up in strict religious households. I knew i was different before puberty but didnt really know the extent of my queerness until puberty hit me and the uncontrollable urge to feel femininely screwed me up pretty bad. Just wanting nothing more than to fit in at school and just be accepted as a normal kid was all i wanted but inside i was in turmoil. I ran away from home at age 12 and went thru hell until i came out when i was 22. Im 50 now and live my true life and i love myself!
I read here mainly comments from trans persons who approve this film, and this is ok. I regret though the lack of comments from cis ones. I'm a cis man 59 years old and I want to say here how touching this film is. Live and let live. Christianism ist told to be based on love but ends too frequently in hatred. Eli(jah), I do love you.🙂
The scene in the mirror was my favorite reminds me of the most magical moment I’ve had in my life. Seeing my true reflection.
Really hits me in the heart ❤️.
I am so thankful I was never religious and my family wasn't either.
It was a great film it made my day ❤️❤️thank you
Thank You so much for watching and so so glad to hear that! ❤️❤️
Would love to see trans women portray trans women 🙃
Hey there! That is absolutely a fair point and I agree. When I was casting for this film, I specifically wanted to cast a trans woman too. We held an open casting (anyone and everyone was free to apply) and with over 700 applications not a single one of them was from a Trans actor unfortunately. Maybe, because it was only a student project, it wasn’t taken seriously enough to be considered by some. As it was a time-sensitive project with a deadline (a graduation film), I had to make the call and choose the person I thought was best for the role with the options that were available to me. Out of all the candidates, Paul did an absolutely phenomenal job as an actor and went above and beyond to stay true to character and created a beautiful, honest portrayal. I’m very grateful to have been able to work with him.
All that being said - I agree with your comment and if this project was to be re-shot, I would have also hoped that we would get several Trans actors interested enough in it to consider applying. Thank you very much for watching the film in the first place. Sending love!
And thank you for making the choices you did, and creating this beautiful little movie! @@ElaireCreates
Beautiful film with wonderful message.
Thank you very much!!
Very lovely short film
This feels like a reflection of my life or what it could be very soon. I just can’t bring myself to tell curtain important people.
You are you and that's all that matters..... Believe in yourself 🤗
this movie made me realize how blessed i am to absolutely have nothing to do with religion and nor with the master of those religions .... free soul.... fuck religion!
this is beyond beautiful
Everybody is talking about souls, yet nobody wants to understand that we, everyone of us, can't choose our vesel.
lovely film wish i was young again and could be my true self
Beautiful
Thank You for watching!
As someone raised as a catholic, this religion has done so much harm and the hypocrisy is off the charts. Thanks to the catholic priests I was raised around, I want NOTHING to do with this sham of a cult! Thank you for sharing this video…very touching.
And it's not like the Roman Catholic Church tried to hide their own dark history...just look at the recent exposure of the thousands of priest abusing children. Not to mention the inquisition burning and torturing so-called heretics, and all those who disagreed with them.
Your blaming Jesus because someone told you it was wrong. Just go to mass and say nothing. Makes no difference to God. He just wants you in his life. Men made the rules not God.
That’s crazy how she went into church like that but more power to her I was 19 when I started transition but never would of done that to my parents
She didn't DO anything 'to' her parents; she merely stepped up and became herself. If her parents felt shame, or grief, or rage, that is entirely on THEM.
It seems like there is always some one who has the wrong idea.
we are all different and so we all think differently. I now crossdress. since my Male side has been damaged by the government and high stress and pain.
I escape in to being the female side of each of us. And I like it here, it is keeping me safe
My parents prayed with me after I came out (my sparkly nail polish tipped them off) but wow Catholic prayers go hard, that was something else!
We've not discussed it for several weeks (since I got sick of trying to explain asexuality through my dad's assumptions and false dichotomies) but they're pretty certain my "will" is opposed to God's regarding my gender and claim this is a great opportunity to learn to "surrender".
:(
I wanna try on dresses with a friend but covid...
@@EternalDensity how does liking to wear dresses and nail polish make you a female!??!? You're a male, and you will always be one. Being a woman is not about the clothing!!!! Not all woman like dresses. Being a woman is a biological characteristic.
How kind of them, to offer you an opportunity to 'surrender' your true self to their dogmatic, institutionalized transphobia and bigotry. I hope (and have a feeling that) you did NOT take them up on that offer!
Who wrote the music in the film ?
Hey there! Moritz Limmer and Fabian Finsterer, they’re listed in the credits at the end of the film :)
I came out from a Muslim family, you cant imagine how bad is that.
Yes I can and you really need to protect yourself they’re dangerous!
When it comes to LGBTQ+ folks, so-called 'Christians' aren't winning any Peace Prizes, either! @@MissMarinaCapri
It's sad ,but we're truly alone.
We may feel that way, but experience suggests it's not true. That is one favor the internet has done the world -- people who felt alone can learn there are others who feel the way they do, and want the things they want. It shatters that 'terminal uniqueness' which keeps us isolated, ignorant and afraid. It is unquestionably one of the best weapons we have against the hatred and cruelty so many 'good' religionists feel toward the LGBTQ+ community.
If you haven't already, I hope you will experience that yourself someday soon.
It’s giving vibes from the danish girl
this was heartbreaking
Sadly, among many religions (and other social groupings) love is strictly 'conditional'. Fit in, toe the line, keep your mouth shut and don't rock the boat; or else!!
Just to be the devil's advocate (sorry, no pun intended) for a moment; we can't tar everyone 'else' with the same brush. To see the lad 'en femme' would be a shock (or at least a big surprise) and would take some time getting used to.... don't judge them too harshly; we've all got years of conditioning to overcome. I remember the first time I saw an aquaintance wearing a skirt and top - instead of their male clothes; it took a few moments to process what I was seeing. Fortunately, she was 50 yards away across a carpark. I had a few seconds to take a deep breath and come to terms with the concept while she walked over to speak to me.
A good and moving film, but you have rather populated it with stereotypes; the young people are all 'goodies' and all the older folks 'homophobic, bigoted, ignorant Ludites'..... Perhaps you're using hyperbole to make a point, but in real life are things (people's attitudes) SO black and white. Or, am I expecting everyone to be as understanding as I TRY to be???
But, it's a revelation who sticks by your side when you need a friend!! XX
Can you give me a hug as well too
Gosh the abs 😍😍
This my battle now with nondenominational just not that violent. They claim to be christians yet they don't show love that Jesus showed.
I am a samakami.from India.
Me
If
Is
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She needs to "do away" with her mother 😠😠
ugh now you ruined all her makeup 😒
don't worry she re-applied it ;-)
How they r completely men nd women I cant understand when they acquire secondary sexual features through surgery nd not natural by birth. They r just humans a transwoman is not a perfect woman thats all but deserve to be respected.
If you would like to understand more about the trans and / or non-binary experience, I would invite you to follow the work of some fantastic non-binary and trans educators and activists, such as Munroe Bergdorf, Jeffrey Marsh, Mx.Deran, Rain Dove to name a few. As to the second part of your comment, no human is 'perfect' (or we all are perfect in our own way, depending on how you view it) and every human deserves to be respected.
This is an LGBT propoganda movie if ever i saw one.