Keyword Bolex

Displaying the faces and voices of transgender youth, the documentary short shows the authenticity of queer and trans people living in Toronto, while simultaneously discussing the struggles for self-acceptance that people who do not conform to cisgender and heteronormative ideals of gender face. Andy Nguyen, trans director and film student, captures his trans friends in their natural state on 16mm film shot on a Bolex h16 camera. Accompanied by narration written and recited by Salem Rao, this film represents that trans people exist and this is what we look like. Regardless of the obvious everyday transphobia, trans people find community and uniqueness within each other and themselves.

Do you want to take a selfie? How bout with a 16mm Bolex film camera?

Seth and Dave are two friends. They're normal people. They laugh. They cry. They bleed. When it rains, they open umbrellas. When it's cold, they put on coats. And when it's hot, they seek refreshment. But that's easier said than done.