I. Thomas, Adriano Falconi (dir.), 2021
This tightly-constructed 4-minute short is largely dialog-free. Words are given only to the characters who stand in opposition to Thomas' self-expression. The rest of the story is told via expressions. We see the neighborhood kids and adults. We see his parents, each worried for their child in their own way. Thomas' frustration builds to a wordless eruption that is compelling for both the audience and the other characters. I'm not sure this is a compliment, but I thought this short was an effective PSA against the sort of bullying that leads 40% of trans youth to consider suicide.
II. Shedding Skin, Katherina Harder Sacre (dir.), 2020
This beautiful short is a story of two parallel bodies. Alicia, an introverted seamstress, and Lucia, her trans neighbor move from acquaintances to intimate friendship, finding unexpected common ground. How much of the self is defined by our corporeal existence? How is that physical reality enhanced/limited by our presentation (i.e., clothing.)? Two remarkable scenes stood out for me, both powerfully expressing the vulnerability and empowerment of physical intimacy. Alicia helping Lucia try on one of her creations made me gasp. And the final shot of the two of them at the beach was nothing short of glorious.
III. Beautiful They, Cloudy Rhodes (dir.), 2021
A chain. A binding. A clasp. A lock. A key. A joint. The surf. Hand grasping sand. Hand grasping bed linens. A kiss. How were you able to say exactly what I needed to hear?
IV. Between Us, Cailleah Scott-Grimes (dir.), 2020
Kei, an FTM trans man living in rural Japan, says early in this short, "I'm not interested in being in or out." He and his queer partner are at odds about whether to live stealth or openly, whether to move to the big city or stay where Kei is comfortable. Circumstances bring them together unexpectedly at a local hot springs, where, a la Pyramus & Thisbe, they are able to speak openly through the wall separating the men's side from the women's. Naked on their respective sides of the wall, they bare their souls. Can the healing powers of the bath overcome what divides us?
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