Treasure: From Tragedy to Trans Justice, Mapping a Detroit Story

Filmmaker Dream Hampton's documentary is centered on the 2011 horrific murder of Shelly “Treasure” Hilliard, a 19-year-old African-American transgender woman in Detroit. Hilliard was making a living as a sex worker at the time of her death, and the gruesome aspects of her killing became headline news across the nation. Treasure offers a sincere consideration of Hilliard's impact on those around her, interviewing family members and friends who recall the victim's loving and buoyant personality. The film also examines Detroit's African-American transgender community, in which Hilliard found acceptance and deep friendships, with extra attention given to the Ruth Ellis Center, a transgender advocacy organization. Unfortunately, the documentary loses focus by spending too much time away from Hilliard's story as other transgender women who appear to be eager to be on camera discuss their lives and concerns. Telling a tragic and important story that is somewhat diluted by too many extraneous voices, this is a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)