Since 1997 the San Francisco Transgender Film Festival has been presenting works from trans people all over the world. Even during the pandemic continued, albeit online.
The festival has since returned to its home at the Roxie Theater, while also offering its programming online to an international audience. From November 13-16 seven programs of short film by trans, nonbinary and gender nonconforming filmmakers will unspool at the Roxie. The same seven programs will be available online from November 18-24.
This year the festival takes on an extra special meaning due to the anti-trans backlash going on not only in red states, but in other countries around the world. Shawna Virago, artistic director of the festival, told the Bay Area Reporter that the community is not being silenced by all the hate.
"Despite the over 600 anti-trans bills introduced in legislatures around the country, there's a lot of resilience, smarts and creativity in trans and nonbinary communities," Virago said. "We're survivors. The festival has also been the target of alt-right attacks. I think in response to all this ignorant backlash, there has also been a burst of unmatched creativity from nonbinary and transgender people, and this is reflected in this year's films."
Virago added that the exact number of anti-trans bills introduced is 661, and that they've been introduced in 45 states.
"The Republican party and its base are ramping up the hatred against us right now to get votes," she said.
The festival has been going strong for an impressive 27 years, and continues to grow each year.
"My friends Christopher Lee and Alex Austin started the festival in 1997 and we're still here, mostly from being insouciant and smart," said Virago. "We're the longest running transgender film festival in the world. We were founded with radical queer values, and we remain intentionally anti-assimilationist and centers works that challenge transphobia, racism, sexism, ableism, anti-migrant hate, and homophobia."
Notable films
Some of the festival highlights include the New Zealand film "Nest," directed by Willem Koller, which Virago describes as camp horror at its best. In the film, a reluctant mother-to-be has a deeply shocking labor experience.
"Fans of 'Rosemary's Baby' will love this film," Virago said.
A more topical film screening at the festival is "Daisy: Prophet of the Apocalypse," directed by Venus Patel. This film takes a stand against anti-queer and anti-trans hate. It tells the story of a radical trans preacher who sets out on a journey to prophesize the end of the world, promising salvation only for those who denounce heterosexuality.
"Our call for submissions generates approximately 100 to 150 film submissions," said Virago. "We work with our screening committee to view and select films. We have a punk streak and prioritize do-it-yourself films, but are also receptive to all genres and aesthetics. We have radical values and also are a lot of fun."
Virago added that many of the filmmakers will be present for post screening Q&As. And after their opening night screening, on November 13 there will be an after-party at the Mother bar on 16th Street. She concluded by pointing out why it is important to have a transgender film festival instead of screening these films at larger festivals like Frameline.
"I think we need all of our queer film festivals, including Frameline, plus artists and art organizations to amplify our common struggles and also to celebrate how awesome it is to be queer," she said.
San Francisco Transgender Film Festival, November 13-16, Roxie Theater, 3117 16 Street, November 18-24, on demand online. Note: program #7 is 18+ only. All films close captioned for the hearing impaired. KN95 masks required in person, will be provided. Sliding scale, $0-$50. www.sftff.org
Never miss a story! Keep up to date on the latest news, arts, politics, entertainment, and nightlife.
Sign up for the Bay Area Reporter's free weekday email newsletter. You'll receive our newsletters and special offers from our community partners.
Support California's largest LGBTQ newsroom. Your one-time, monthly, or annual contribution advocates for LGBTQ communities. Amplify a trusted voice providing news, information, and cultural coverage to all members of our community, regardless of their ability to pay -- Donate today!