The essence of the 27th San Francisco Transgender Film Festival (SFTFF) is simple, according to artistic director Shawna Virago.
“Despite 2024 being the fifth consecutive record-breaking year of anti-trans bills to be introduced across the US, leading up to re-election of Trump, there has also been a burst of unmatched creativity and a spirit of resilience from nonbinary and transgender people—and this is reflected in this year’s films,” says Virago, who coproduces the annual event with managing director Eric Garcia.
She invites people of all genders to attend this year’s pay-what-you-can event, which runs from Wed/13-Sat/16 at Roxie Theater before moving online from Mon/18-Sun/24.
The 27th edition features seven short film programs and over 40 intersectional, experimental, and nonlinear films by transgender and gender-nonconforming filmmakers that run the gamut from politics to animation, dance, music, romance, and horror.
Together they demonstrate the resilience, strength, talent, sass, sexuality, and courage of the trans and gender-nonconforming communities.
SFTFF makes every effort to keep things inclusive and safe offscreen as well.
All in-person programs are sliding scale, wheelchair accessible, and ASL-interpreted, and all films (in-person and online) are captioned for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.
KN95 masks will be provided and required, and perfumes and scented products are discouraged.
I spoke to Virago (also an acclaimed filmmaker and groundbreaking singer-songwriter) about promoting trans and gender-variant visibility, defying the mainstream media’s negative stereotypes, and combatting trans hate with “the power of creative expression.”
48 HILLS Let’s start with what I’m sure is at the front of everyone’s minds: How are you feeling about Trump’s re-election, with his unprecedented attacks on trans people?
SHAWNA VIRAGO Am I surprised by the outcome of the election? No. Am I surprised about the millions of dollars spent in anti-transgender campaign ads by Trump’s team? No. Am I surprised there are millions of people who supported a racist, misogynistic, anti-trans hater for President? Hell, no!
Trans people have been experiencing unprecedented levels of discrimination and violence for years now. The new administration might turn the anti-trans hatred knob up to 11, but trans and gender nonconforming people are powerful, we’ve weathered a lot already. I have faith in us. We’ll survive. But we need our cis-allies to step up and have our back.
48 HILLS This is the 27th annual SFTFF, and you’ve been artistic director since 2003. How do you, year after year, keep the festival programming fresh and innovative?
SHAWNA VIRAGO The festival stays innovative and alive because of the filmmakers. They prove you can make compelling films without big budgets. You just need passion and ideas. My friends Christopher Lee and Alex Austin started the festival and brought me in. I’m lucky I get to do this. I love making music and I love watching films and directing short films. I’m a lucky gal.
48 HILLS How does SFTFF counter the mainstream media’s portrayal of trans and nonbinary people?
SHAWNA VIRAGO There are more trans and gender-nonconforming voices in mainstream media telling authentic stories about trans lives than ever before. SFTFF is committed to alternative filmmaking models and carves out space for films that could never fit in the mainstream corporate film world—neither in content nor in production values. In our small way, we provide a space where the films we screen are pushing against corporate values.
48 HILLS What makes a film innovative, experimental, and outside-the-box enough for SFTFF?
SHAWNA VIRAGO We advocate and support films with a more transgressive spirit. That doesn’t mean that all the films we screen are confrontational, but it’s important we play films that might not be seen otherwise. Hopefully they’re films that our communities can see themselves reflected in. We screen a wide range of films: some are edgy, many are quite beautiful, some employ humor, and some employ amour. I think our programs will connect with audiences.
48 HILLS How are trans and nonbinary people demonstrating creativity and resilience in combating trans hate?
SHAWNA VIRAGO I don’t know if most people understand the level of coordinated attacks against transgender and nonbinary people happening right now in the country. I believe there have been 661 anti-trans bills introduced in 45 states this year. Trans people are experiencing unprecedented levels of discrimination and violence.
Like many communities under perpetual attack, trans and gender-nonconforming filmmakers are responding, adapting their visions to rise above this, and generating empowered representations. This is life and death stuff we’re talking about.
Take the film Saturn Risin9 we’re screening this year. Directed by Tiare Ribeaux and Jody Stillwater, the film is about Saturn Risin9, a nonbinary black performance artist and musician. The film is a nonlinear poetic narrative about their journey of perseverance and transformational empowerment, while also challenging systemic racism, and finding community. It’s a stunning film.
48 HILLS Which programs and films are you particularly excited about this year?
SHAWNA VIRAGO There are so many films I’m excited about. One film I want people to see is Trans Alchemy (Alquimia Trans). It’s a short documentary that examines the unique experiences of trans-masculine activists across Latin America. Félix Endara States directs it and the film offers a compelling testimony to the challenges and triumphs encountered by trans-masculine folks in the region.
Another film I love is NEST, directed by Willem Koller. It’s camp horror at its best. A reluctant mother-to-be has a deeply shocking labor experience. Fans of Rosemary’s Baby will love this film.
48 HILLS What do you hope trans, nonbinary, and cisgender audience members take away from this year’s festival?
SHAWNA VIRAGO First, the festival allows trans communities to gather and watch films that speak to our experiences safely. There’s nothing like being able to bring people together in a theater to enjoy community representation and revel in some amazing artistry. Also, all genders are welcome.
48 HILLS One thing I’ve noticed among trans and nonbinary-centered events is a dedication to safety and inclusion.
SHAWNA VIRAGO Access is important to us and I’m proud of how trans communities show up for it. The COVID pandemic is not over yet. Our immunocompromised, disabled, and older adult community members remain at high risk. So, in support of community safety, KN95 masks will be provided and required. Even at our Q&As, participants will be wearing masks.
Our in-person screenings are at the Roxie, and their entrance, lobby, bathrooms, and audience seating are wheelchair accessible and they have all-gender bathrooms. While SFTFF is not a scent-free event, we encourage in-person audiences to be mindful of avoiding perfumes and scented products. All in-person programs will be ASL-interpreted. All films in-person and online will be captioned for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.
48 HILLS As a transwoman today, where do you find hope?
SHAWNA VIRAGO That is a tough question to answer. It’s not an overreach to apply the term “fascist” to the ultra-conservative right. I’m alarmed by their continued and escalating racist attacks, Islamophobia, immigrant hatred, and assaults on trans and gender-nonconforming peoples’ already tenuous civil liberties.
That being said, I believe in the power of creative expression to uplift and fight for a more positive future. Trans and gender-nonconforming people are resilient, but we need our cisgender allies to have our back. I hope that many, many people come out to watch the powerful films at this year’s SFTFF.
SFTFF runs Wed/13-Sat/16, Roxie Theater, SF. Tickets and more info here.
