In the past decade, independent cinema has seen an explosion of films that explore transgender issues. Many of those film, however, have elided issues of race in regard to trans communities of color. In light of this, Still Black: a portrait of black transmen is a feature-length experimental documentary that explores the lives of six black transgender men living in the United States. Through the intimate discussions of their lives as artists, students, husbands, fathers, lawyers, and teachers, the film challenges traditional notions of black masculinity, sexuality, and identity.
Presented as a collection of six short black & white films, each ‘mini-film’ gives the impression of a one-on-one conversation with the participant. The aesthetically provocative sections tell the personal stories of the men through multiple camera angles, experimental graphics, and an original trip-hop score – each designed to supplement their individuality and personality.
Preceded by:
Shooting Geronimo/Kent Monkman/Canada/2007/11min
Famed romantic filmmaker Frederick Curtis is shooting a film about Geronimo just outside the Long Horn Saloon, but he finds his lead’s performance lacking. When he pulls another young sexy Cree man into the role, jealousy ensues as Curtis alternately gushes over the two boys. A “Lonesome Rider” intercedes, teasing the action to a tragic twist, which forces the boys to take control of Curtis’s film.
English + Cree
Winner
Best Short Drama – imagineNATIVE Film Festival 2007
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