The award-winning narrative film The Garden Left Behind film traces the relationship between Tina (Carlie Guevara), a young Latina trans woman, and Eliana (Miriam Cruz), her grandmother, as they navigate Tina's transition and struggle to build a life for themselves as undocumented immigrants in New York City.
Directed by U.S.-based Brazilian refugee Flavio Alves, the film presents trans actors in each trans role, and includes 50 transgender filmmakers in roles behind the camera.
This incredibly inclusive film is making waves on the festival circuit, having won numerous awards including the Audience Award at SXSW. Next it will open the Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival on Thursday.
In the clip below, community leader Lily Villahermosa (Amanda Rodriguez) rallies a group of trans folks in a laudromat after Rosie, one of their trans sisters, is murdered. Tina looks on, clearly moved by the gifted orator and powerful message.
"We have a right to exist," Lily says. "Tonight we unite. From this day forward we are one. Because I am Rosie, you are Rosie, we are all Rosie."
The film speaks with heart and authenticity to the daily fear trans people face knowing they have a target on their backs just for being who they are. The swell of support for the film shows that broad audiences are hungry and ready for this trans-led story and more. The film treads an important path, leading us one step closer to a safe, empowered, vibrant future for all transgender people.
Watch the empowering clip below and catch The Garden Left Behind at Translations.
