Reflections of TransformNation, a documentary about gender identity

Last Friday I was able to attend the the screening of TransformNation, a documentary about gender identity with about 30 other people.  I arrived just before the film started as it was that horrible windy and nasty evening that Seattle was experiencing.  Folks were enjoying snackage, drinks and enjoying getting to know each other before the film started.

The film was shot in ~2002 and provided insight into some of the thoughts and feelings that people have about themselves during their process of changing gender.  There were different age ranges, experiences and reactions that the 8 filmed participants had about their transition process.  Alex DePaz hopes to do a follow up to check in and see where these original 8 are today.  I think this would make a wonderful addition to this first film that Alex has submitted to our upcoming Translations, Seattle Transgender Film Festival.

After the film we had an impromptu discussion about the film and thoughts in general that people had.  I hope that Alex will create this dialogue after future screenings as people seemed very interested in talking and sharing their own thoughts, feelings and experiences.  One of the 8 portrayed in the film was available for the discussion and the audience seemed appropriately respectful but also wanted to ask questions of him.  It was a very successful screening especially if you consider that many of us stayed until close to midnight.

Alex did the original film on his own but now has a team of folks that are enthusiastic that will be working to produce content on a specific time-line.  Purr Productions intends to produce a number of other interesting films.  I will keep you posted about their progress.  Ms T

Future Purr Production Films:

• 'Transformnation revisited' Following up with the individuals from the original documentary to examine how their lives have changed over the last six years.

• 'Broken Shadows' a documentary about HIV/AIDS epedemic and the effects of the last three decades.

• 'Marimacha' a documentary about butch women and their struggles to separate from FTM’s identity.

• ' Hey DOC' a short lesbian comedy about lust in the doctor’s office between a patient and her doctor.

• 'Looking for Love' a script in progress.