2017 Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival Runs May 4 – 14, 2017
Now in its 12th year, Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival returns bigger than ever before and ready to navigate a threatening political climate, build community, and encourage fun. Translations explores stories of transgender people from around the world to reaffirm that they are not alone, that they are beautiful, and that they deserve love and respect. This year the festival doubles in size, spanning two weekends from May 4 to 14, with over 70 films from 20 different countries, making it the largest transgender film festival in the world! Translations will be in venues around Seattle’s Capitol Hill, including the Northwest Film Forum, SIFF Cinema Egyptian, 12th Avenue Arts, and the Seattle Public Library Capitol Hill branch. An additional screening will take place at the Henry Art Gallery, on the UW campus.
Opening night film FREE CECE! will be presented by special guests CeCe McDonald and director Jac Gares on May 4 at 7pm at the Egyptian Theatre. This powerful documentary confronts the epidemic of violence against and incarceration of transgender women of color. CeCe McDonald, an African-American transwoman, survived an attack and served time in a men’s prison. Laverne Cox (Orange Is the New Black) explores the roles that race, class, and gender played in CeCe’s case, which incited a nationwide “Free CeCe” protest movement. Empowered by supporters, CeCe emerged as a celebrated advocate for issues of race and gender identity. Pride Foundation will co-present this film. Check out the Trailer & website for FREE CECE!
Translations brings some local flavor with the documentary FINDING KIM on May 14 at 2pm at the Northwest Film Forum, also co-sponsored by Pride Foundation. This visually striking documentary by Seattle director Aaron Bear follows Kim’s search for self-acceptance through transition from female to male after a lifetime of coming to terms with drug addiction and isolation. Appearances by major personalities and LGBTQ activists include Carmen Carrera of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Buck Angel, Calpernia Addams, and Dan Savage.
There are six different shorts programs to choose from this year. From icons like Kate Bornstein and Miss Major to neighbors and friends, our mentors offer nuanced insights from which we all can learn. Additionally, THE REAL DEAL: TRANS TEENS shorts program on May 12 at 5pm at the Northwest Film Forum, includes three locally-made short films by teens!
Musicians add two unique events to the festival. Rae Spoon will host an hour of music, drawing comics, and chill vibes on May 9 at 6pm at 12th Avenue Arts. And Joe Stevens with special guest Ben Wallace, subjects of the film REAL BOY, perform a one-night only concert on May 13 at 9:30pm at the Northwest Film Forum.
Translations is offering a program specifically for allies and folks who are new to the transgender community with NO DUMB QUESTIONS: HOW TO BE A TRANS ALLY on May 5 at 6pm at the Capitol Hill Branch of the Seattle Public Library. With a screening of the film NO DUMB QUESTIONS followed by a brief introduction to transgender concepts and an open discussion led by festival director, Sam Berliner, this is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to support our community.
Join Pride Foundation at one or all of these great films. There are a number of free and discounted screenings at this year’s festival. The first screening of every day is just $5 online ($6 at the box office) and all screenings at 12th Avenue Arts and the Seattle Public Library, Capitol Hill Branch, are free. Tickets and passes are available now at www.translationsfilmfest.org