SHORTS BLOCK: EM(POWER)MENT

Trans power now! Watch as the narratives and documentaries showcase individual and community empowerment.

SAT MAY 6 | 2:00 PM | ARK LODGE CINEMAS
AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY MAY 4-7

SHIPPING THEM
Ryan Rox; USA; 15 min.
A nonbinary daydreamer yearns for the life of the girl next door, but soon finds out the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
Content warnings: Nudity, vulgar language 

ANARRIÊ
Neto Astério; 2023; Brazil; 14 min.
Portuguese
Renan and Alana rehearse for their Quadrilhas Juninas, a dance that portrays a meeting between youth, old age, and the popular cultures of northeastern Brazil. 

BUNNY DECIDES TO GO
Vusala Hajiyeva; 2022 Azerbaijan; 16 min.
Azerbaijani
An intimate documentary about a trans woman's isolation and decision to leave her home country of Azerbaijan in pursuit of a safer life. Using the metaphor of a rabbit, that comes from her nickname "bunny," she presents her relationship with her family, country, music, and protest, intercut with home videos.
Content warnings: Discussion of transphobic violence 

KIM, PEOPLE ARE DYING
Sepand Mashiahof; 2022; USA; 8 min.
As we travel  through a vibrant and strange realm accompanied by the music of Beast Nest, we are reminded that friendship can save us in even our strangest, hardest, and darkest moments.

ART AS MEANS OF BREATH
Celi Mitidieri; 2023; USA; 6 min.
Community leader and artist Yoleidy Rosario-Hernandez explores the connections between art and ancestry in the journey to find zirself.

EPILOGUE
Yasha Maria Lelonek & Dahyo Coleman; 2022; USA; 8 min.
A young trans woman blends documentary, dance, poetry, and drama to represent her emotions around her changing body, relationships, and self-worth. 
Content warnings: Blood, nudity 

THE DOOR SHE OPENED
Richard O'Connor; 2019; USA; 3 min.
One weekend, Dee’s parents took her to her aunt Yaya’s house, giving her the opportunity that no one else would: the chance to be herself in a safe, loving space.

SEAN DORSEY DANCE: DREAMING TRANS AND QUEER FUTURES
Lindsay Gauthier; 2022; USA; 10 min.
This profile of trailblazing transgender choreographer and activist Sean Dorsey features powerful dance sequences to reinforce the fact that trans, gender-nonconforming, and queer people are strong, wise, powerful, beautiful, and visionary artists and leaders.  

LADY LOS ANGELES
Antonia Crane; 2023; USA; 15 min.
A young Latinx trans woman skateboards through Los Angeles trying to make her rent in this stylish short.
Content warnings: Explicit sexual situations