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]
| 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 |
Synopsis
editDr. 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
editDevelopment
editDirectors 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
editTrinidad features music by Antony and the Johnsons, The Cinematic Orchestra, and Julia Kent.[7]
Reception
editCritical response
editEric 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.