Magdalena is a young trans woman living in Barcelona. On the eve of her 25th birthday, she decides to celebrate in the tiny village where she would vacation with her grandmother, Puente de Alba. Several members of her support group, I-Vaginarium, accompany her and spend a long weekend in the scenic village. Alecia is younger, like Lena, and the duo has faced little in the way of hardship compared to some of the older members of the support group.
Yolanda stands out among them as a survivor of poverty, abuse, and multiple cancers. Her fiery personality and wealth of experience often put her at the center of the conversation. Saya and Tina are of similar age and temperament. Though their personalities keep them from seeking the camera's gaze as much as Yolanda, they provide support and conversation throughout the film. Cristina is an outlier among the group: Her transition only began at age 55, and she is socially and politically more conservative than her peers.
This slice-of-life glimpse into trans existence in Spain is stunningly beautiful from start to finish. Director Adrián Silvestre shows an exceptional understanding of nature and humanity in his use of the camera. I thought Silvestre did an outstanding job of walking the razor’s edge between voyeurism and intimacy, though I could see some arguing it either went too far or not far enough.
While many documentaries about trans women focus on suffering and pain, Sediments is open and honest. The women who act as subjects are given free rein to talk, play, learn, and grow together, and it shows. There are moments of deep sadness, high drama, and unyielding goofiness. The mood shifts from arguments about social theories to raucous games of ‘never have I ever.’ Through it all, we see these six women living their lives and supporting one another. Sediments is a must-see for anyone interested in ethnography or queer studies. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Sediments belongs in queer documentary and biography sections.
What type of film series would this title fit in?
Any study of queerness, trans women, medical inequality, or Spanish culture could benefit from the addition of Sediments.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
$549 Perpetual DSL, $449 3-year DSL, $200 K-12, PUBLIC LIBRARIES, COMMUNITY GROUPS 3-YEAR DSL LICENSE