Trinidad (film)
| Trinidad | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Jay Hodges, PJ Raval |
| Produced by | Matt Dentler |
| Cinematography | PJ Raval |
| Edited by | Kyle Henry |
Production company | Surly Puppy |
| Distributed by | Canadian Filmmakers' Distribution Centre (Theatrical) The Cinema Guild (DVD) |
Running time | 86 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Trinidad is an American documentary film by Jay Hodges and PJ Raval. The film was screened at the IFP Market and IFP Rough Cuts Lab.[1] In 2009, the film premiered on Showtime.[2]
Synopsis[edit]
Dr. Stanley Biber began conducting sex reassignment therapy in Trinidad, Colorado, in 1969. Dr. Marci Bowers, a former patient of Biber, took over his practice after his death. Trinidad focuses on Bowers and two of her patients at different stages of their transition from male to female.[3]
Cast[edit]
- Stanley Biber
- Marci Bowers
- Laura Ellis
- Sabrina Marcus
Production[edit]
Development[edit]
Directors Jay Hodges and PJ Raval were intrigued by Trinidad's status as the "Sex Change Capital of the World" and the fact that Marci Bowers, the town's surgeon, had a transgender history. Neither director lived in the town, so they filmed in intervals of several months at a time.[3][4] In an interview with Queerty, Raval said, "Our intention was not to sensationalize or exploit but to create something where people can see the universal struggle for self-expression and give people an opportunity to explore these concepts of gender and gender identity."[5]
Trinidad received $4,000 for production and $7,000 for post-production through the Austin Film Society's Texas Filmmakers' Production Fund.[6]
Music[edit]
Trinidad features music by Antony and the Johnsons, The Cinematic Orchestra, and Julia Kent.[7]
Reception[edit]
Critical response[edit]
Eric Campos, writing for Film Threat, gave the film 4 out of 5 stars and said, "Trinidad succeeds in presenting the materials for a better understanding of transsexual people and stands to be very instrumental in making the world outside of Trinidad, Colorado a safer place for them to live."[8] IFC's Stephen Salto commented, "Hodges and Raval arrive in town just in time to shoot the construction of Morning Glow, a recovery house that not only provides a dramatic arc for the story, but slyly demonstrates how post-ops are just like anyone else, in moments as simple as arguing over the proper trim for the doors of the house."[9]
Accolades[edit]
| Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland International Film Festival[10] | Best Documentary | Jay Hodges, PJ Raval | Won |
| Los Angeles Film Festival[10] | Best Documentary | Jay Hodges, PJ Raval | Nominated |
See also[edit]
- Sex Change Hospital (2007)
- TransGeneration (2005)
- A Change of Sex (1980)
References[edit]
- ^ "Trinidad". Woodstock Film Festival. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
- ^ Jones, Kimberly (1 June 2009). "'Trinidad' Premieres on TV: PJ Raval and Jay Hodges' documentary will air on Showtime this June". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
- ^ a b "LAFF '08 INTERVIEW "Trinidad" Co-Directors Jay Hodges and PJ Raval". IndieWire. 26 June 2008. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
- ^ Hassan, Joseph (6 May 2010). "Need To Know: PJ Raval". Out. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
- ^ Villarreal, Daniel (24 April 2010). "Meet The Residents of Trinidad, Colorado: Sex-Change Capital of the World". Queerty. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
- ^ "Trinidad – Austin Film Society". Austin Film Society. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
- ^ "Trinidad (2008) – Soundtracks". IMDb. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
- ^ Campos, Eric (23 June 2008). "Film Threat – Trinidad". Film Threat. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
- ^ Salto, Stephen (2 July 2008). "The Doc Days of Summer". IFC. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
- ^ a b "Trinidad (2008) – Awards". IMDb. Retrieved 15 March 2013.
