VALENTINA

Streaming May 6 - May 9, 2021 throughout the United States

Includes pre-recorded Q&A with director Cássio Pereira dos Santos

Cássio Pereira dos Santos; 2020; Brazil; 95 min.; in Portuguese with English subtitles

Valentina and her mother Márcia find themselves on the move once again after the high-schooler is discovered to be trans. Life seems hopeful, though, after they land in a small town where nobody knows them and they can start anew. They just have to get the school forms signed by both parents so that Valentina can use her chosen name and gender—but tracking down her absent father is near impossible, and time is running out.

As the summer unfolds, Márcia finds a nice boyfriend, Valentina meets some cool new pals at summer school, and everything seems like it might work out this time. Valentina starts to open up and relax into being a real teenager, hanging out and going to parties with Júlio, who is gay and trying to find love, and pregnant Amanda. 

Unfortunately, danger lurks in the community, and Valentina is again faced with difficult choices. But no one is going to stop this resilient girl (played perfectly by trans YouTube influencer Thiessa Woinbackk, winner of the Outstanding Performance Award at Outfest) from being who she is and living her life in this special coming-of-age drama.

IMPLIED VIOLENCE, DEPICTION OR DISCUSSION OF RAPE

This program is co-presented by OutRight International, an LGBTQ human rights advocacy organization

This programmed is sponsored by GSBA