Redaccion
The City Council of La Laguna hosted this Friday the presentation of the fourth edition of CinemaTrans*, Trans* Film Showcase of Tenerife, which will take place in the month of May, on the 12th (TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes), 15th, 16th, and 17th (Multicines Tenerife), featuring a program that includes screenings of short films and feature films and discussions addressing the reality of transgender individuals.
The event is organized by the Pedro Zerolo Foundation, Pedro Zerolo Cinematheque, and Film Talks, with the main sponsorship of the City Council of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, through the Culture and Equality and LGBTI departments. Additionally, it is sponsored by the Insular Directorate of Diversity of the Tenerife Island Council and La Laguna Commercial Area, with the collaboration of Multicines Tenerife, TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, and the University of La Laguna Film Classroom.
During the presentation, the Councilor for Equality and LGBTI, Dailos González, stated that CinemaTrans* «has earned a prominent place as a cultural and social reference, both locally and nationally. Since this initiative took its first steps in 2022, it has been clear about its goals: giving voice, visibility, and space to transgender realities through the universal language of cinema,» he says, noting that CinemaTrans* is also «a meeting point, a cultural refuge, and a space for discussion where transgender stories are not only told but felt, celebrated, and dignified.»
For the Director of Equality and Diversity of the Tenerife Island Council, Patricia León, «culture is a vehicle for raising awareness and bringing to light these dissenting realities,» stating that «given the political and social context, events like this one should have more support and reinforcement. CinemaTrans* is a safe space, a meeting point, a place for reflection and visibility.»
The Vice President of the Pedro Zerolo Foundation, Conchi Zerolo, expressed that «more than a cinematic celebration, this showcase is a powerful platform that, through cinema, showcases and transmits the experiences of the transgender community. Our commitment is unwavering: to stand by these heroines and heroes who, far from being victims, represent examples of strength and resilience.»
The press conference was also attended by the President of La Laguna Commercial Area, Iván Pérez, and the representative of Film Talks, Manuel Díaz Noda, who outlined the main features of the program.
As a novelty in this edition, on May 12th, the Showcase will introduce a new section called ‘Guest Letter’, where each year another reality from the LGTBIQA+ spectrum will be given visibility. To inaugurate this section, the intersex collective has been chosen.
At the same time, homage will be paid to the film ‘My Dear Lady’, directed by Jaime de Armiñán in 1972 and starring José Luis López Vázquez. The film was nominated for an Oscar in 1973, representing Spain in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
To receive the recognition for the film and Jaime de Armiñán, Eduardo Armiñán, the filmmaker’s son, who is also a director and screenwriter, will be on the island. As a child, he participated in one of the scenes of his father’s film. Additionally, after the film screening, a discussion will take place to address the reality of intersex individuals.
The homage to ‘My Dear Lady’ extends to this year’s poster, once again created by Daniel Fumero from the Limbo Kids Studio and featuring photos by Rommel Alexander Messia Jorge. The poster references the mirror scene that opens the film, with Tenerife activist Yelko Fernández playing the role of Juan and actress Juana Estévez as Adela.
On Tuesday, May 13th, starting at 5:00 PM, at the Diverse Space in La Laguna, there will be a meeting with a discussion and screening of audiovisual pieces with writer and activist Gonzalo Abaha Nguema Mikue, from the We Are Part of the World Association in Equatorial Guinea.
Following this tribute, CinemaTrans* activities will continue on May 15th, 16th, and 17th at Multicines Tenerife. This year, the Activism Award will be presented to Yelko Fernández, a leading figure in the fight for Trans rights, founder and president of the prominent Libertrans association, and to Samantha Flores, a Trans activist and pioneer in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Mexico City. Additionally, the Cinematic Representation awards will go to actresses Celeste González and Paca La Piraña. Along with the honorees, this year’s guests at the Showcase will include directors David Velduque and Afioco Gnecco, and actor Pablo Alamá.
With David Velduque’s presence, on Thursday, May 15th, a live recording with an audience of his podcast ‘Sabor a Queer’ will take place at Multicines Tenerife, produced by Neurads. ‘Sabor a Queer’ addresses topics such as queer identity, precarity, and racism, promoting inclusive dialogue with diverse guests.
The selected program for this year will include three short films: ‘Claroscuro’ by Daniel Voltta, featuring an opening monologue by Paca La Piraña; ‘Transition’ directed by David Velduque and starring Celeste González; and ‘Ciao Bambina’, directed and starring Afioco Gnecco and Carolina Yuste. The Showcase will also feature two feature films. On the one hand, ‘Ana’s Half’ by Marta Nieto, with the participation of Pablo Alamá, and ‘National Anthem’ by Luke Gilford, starring Eve Lindley and Charlie Plummer, which will have its Spanish premiere at CinemaTrans*.
This fourth edition will also host a new edition of the CinemaTrans* Short Film Contest, where short films with transgender themes can participate, and the awards ceremony and screening of the winning works will take place on Saturday, the 17th at the closing event.
