TransParent
Director Jules Rosskam's thought-provoking documentary

 

This was the official website for the 2005 documentary, transparent.
Content is from the site's 2005 - 2006 archived pages as well as from other outside sources.

A moving portrait of the myriad experiences of FTM parents, exploring the major issues these parents face in their daily lives. Confronting questions of body, gender, parental roles, and family and societal acceptance, and effortlessly interweaving interviews with home-movie footage, director Jules Rosskam's thought-provoking documentary reflects on the universal connections between children and parents, regardless of gender binaries.

See the trailer at: https://vimeo.com/17411202

SYNOPSIS

Pink or blue. Male or Female. Mommy or Daddy. Categories that we all take for granted are blown wide open in “transparent,” a new documentary film about 19 female-to-male transsexuals living in the United States who have given birth and, in all but a few stories, gone on to raise their biological children.

“transparent” focuses on its subjects’ lives as parents – revealing the diverse ways in which each person reconciles this part of their history - giving birth and being biological mothers - now that they identify as male and are perceived by the world, but only sometimes by their children, as men. The first-person stories in "transparent" explain how changing genders is dealt with and impacts the relationships, if at all, within these families.

This film has a shocking façade - as a story about transsexual parents – but viewers will be struck by its universality. The subjects resonate powerfully as “normal” parents and human beings dealing with issues like single parenthood, teen pregnancy and their children’s emotional and physical development. But through these extraordinary men, the film challenges, like never, before the ways that we relate to one another, particularly within our immediate families, based on gender.

 

 

THE CREW

JULES ROSSKAM - Director/Producer/Editor
Jules is the founder of MamSir Productions and has worked in video production and post-production for six years. He is currently the Executive Producer for Dyke TV and works as a freelance editor for corporate and non-profit organizations nationally. Jules has also worked for numerous production and film distribution companies, including Frameline, Richter Productions and In the Life and has previously produced three short films. Curve Magazine recently featured Rosskam as one of ten emerging filmmakers to look out for, and Rosskam's work as a filmmaker was highlighted in the June 2004 issues of Velvet Park and The Advocate.

Rosskam premiered his first feature film, transparent, in 2005 to critical acclaim both domestically and internationally. The documentary explores the experiences of 19 transgender men across the US who have given birth. The film was acquired by Frameline Distribution in 2006, and since then has screened in over 50 film festivals and been broadcast on PBS.

ANAT SALOMON - Co-producer
Anat is an experienced editor and camera person with a range of production accomplishments in sports and entertainment, news, documentaries, and commercials. One of the founders of Israel's Channel 2, Anat's other projects include working with Fox News, ABC, CBS, and WNBC Channel 4, as well as France 2 and other international television networks. In 2000, she was awarded the "Telly Award" for Best Short, and her work has been presented at The New Museum in New York City.

 

 

SCREENINGS

UPCOMING

PINK SCREEN BRUSSELS
Thursday, May 18th at 8pm.
For more info go to: www.pinkscreens.org

INSIDE/OUT FESTIVAL TORONTO
Monday, May 22, 2006
for more info: www.insideout.ca

1ST ANNUAL GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF TEL AVIV
Details TBA

FLORENCE QUEER FILM FESTIVAL
Details TBA


PAST

LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY FILM FESTIVAL
Apr 1 - 14:00 National Film Theatre
for more info: www.llgff.org.uk

HALLWALLS CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER
Friday, March 3, 2006
details to be announced.
Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center -- 341 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
t: 716-854-1694

INTRAA, the Indiana Transgender Rights Advocacy Alliance
February 3, 2006
will be showing transparent during our Reel Gender Film Series on. Admission is free and is open to all. Refreshments will be served and a brief discussion will follow the showing of the film.
information is available on our website, www.intraa.com.

Location:
Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis
615 West 43rd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208

Time:
Friday, February 3
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm


MARDIS GRAS FILM FESTIVAL
Wednesday, February 22nd
Sidney, Australia
details TBA

THE PIONEER THEATER
Wednesday, December 7th, 7pm
the theater is located at 155 East 3rd Street (at Ave. A) in Manhattan
tickets $9
www.twoboots.com/pioneer

REELING: CHICAGO LGBT FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday, October 7th
12:30PM @ Chicago Filmmakers

PARIS INTERNATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL
November - Details TBA

OUTFEST
Sunday, July 10th
6:45PM @ DGA2

PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday, July 10th
7:30PM - The Black Box @ The Prince

NEWFEST (World Premiere!)
Monday, June 6, 2005
5:30 PM - Loew's 34th Street - Theater 9
Manhattan, NY
GO TO: www.newfest.org

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday, June 19, 2005 - 1 PM @ The Roxy
GO TO: www.frameline.org

 

 

B Roll comment by Daryl Cook: As a media tracking organization, we were following the release of this film and looking for reviews, stories, and news items to include in our reporting. About a week after release, searches "Transparent movie" yielded a first page in Google that had results #1 through #5 that were cheese shops in Brooklyn and Queens. This film was #6 followed by more cheese. WTF! Since when are the marketers of cheese more relevant for a search that has the word "movie" in it? Speaking with some seos educated us regarding the fact that Google screws up a lot. And some of those screwups are crazy, like the one we experienced. But some are actually harmful - imagine a search for your name revealing a 10 year old DUI arrest. Or a business whose searches inadvertently and incorrectly associate it with criminal behavior. We learned how Google failures, creating harmful search results, have destroyed lives and businesses by creating impressions of wrongdoing or guilt by association via their search rank results. So the film got off easy and no real harm was done, but we would still consider this a major problem from a reputational point of view. A lighter view of this disaster is that Google is making cheesy comments behind our backs.

 

transparent

www.frameline.org/



2005 | Activism / Documentary / Gender / Human Rights / Marriage Equality / Parenting/Family / Relationships / Representation / Social Issues / Transgender / Women's Studies / Youth (18 & Under) | 61m | USA
DIRECTORS:  Jules Rosskam

The normative gender binary is broken down in transparent, a documentary about 19 female-to-male transgender individuals living in the United States who have given birth and, in all but a few stories, gone on to raise their biological children.

transparent focuses on its subjects’ lives as parents, revealing the diverse and personal ways in which each parent reconciles giving birth and his masculine identity. Traditional views of gender are further re-examined through the variety of genders the children use to conceive of their parents. The first-person stories in Jules Rosskam’s in-depth documentary explain how changing genders is dealt with and impacts relationships within families.

On the surface, this is a story about the perceived anomaly of transgender parents. However, the film’s true stories are those of typical parents, regardless of gender, as they deal with issues like single parenthood, teen pregnancy, and their children’s emotional and physical development. Through these extraordinary men, the film challenges the ways that people relate to one another, particularly within our immediate families, based on gender.

Reviews and Awards

“…the film certainly makes the case for better understanding and acceptance of transitioned and transitioning people–and all individuals, really…an important platform for considering or discussing issues of gender—especially society’s expected gender roles and conformity issues as well as the treatment of ‘non-traditional’ families…transparent is recommended for libraries and other institutions that have a strong gender studies curricula or audience, and is indeed recommended for audiences that might question the appropriateness of transgendered people’s ability to parent. RECOMMENDED” — EMRO (Educational Media Reviews Online)

“transparent is an extremely important contribution to our knowledge about the lives of transgender people. By dedicating a film to this almost invisible group of FTMs who have given birth, this documentary not only speaks to the broad experiences of the trans community but also provides a fresh angle on the complications about any assumptions concerning genders, sexualities, motherhood, parenting, and identity construction. The mothers/parents/fathers Rosskam interviews share their unique perspectives of their experiences with pregnancy, motherhood, and parenting; their stories vary widely, and Rosskam foregrounds the contradictions in their accounts rather than, as most documentary makers do, editing to achieve a unified narrative.” — Jillana Enteen, Associate Director & Director of Undergraduate Studies, Gender Studies Program, Northwestern University

“transparent puts not just one face but 19 different faces on the issues of transgender lives, rights, and relationships. By showcasing so many perspectives on a specific and complex issue, the movie works as an outsider’s introduction to transgender experiences but it speaks just as smartly to the conversations, debates, and diversity among these engaging, articulate men. An expansive, moving, witty, and unique film.” — Nick Davis, Department of English / Gender Studies Program, Northwestern University

~~~

Sep 22, 2008 | Rating: 7/10 |
Sarah Boslaugh Playback:stl

There can be no better demonstration of the fluidity of gender identity than Transparent, a 2005 documentary by Jules Rosskam.

~~~

 

 

 

More Background on TransparentTheMovie.com

TransparentTheMovie.com was the official online home for the groundbreaking 2005 documentary transparent, directed by Jules Rosskam. The site played a pivotal role in promoting the film, providing resources for audiences, and serving as a hub for discussion about transgender parenthood, gender identity, and family diversity. This article presents an in-depth exploration of TransparentTheMovie.com, focusing on its history, content, cultural significance, critical reception, and broader impact—using only information from reputable external sources.

Background: The Documentary and Its Context

transparent (2005) is a feature-length documentary that follows the lives of 19 female-to-male (FTM) transgender individuals in the United States who have given birth and, in most cases, have raised their biological children. The film stands out for its focus on the intersection of transgender identity and parenthood, a subject rarely addressed in mainstream media or even within LGBTQ+ discourses. It explores how these individuals navigate complex issues of gender, parenting, and societal expectations, offering a nuanced look at family, identity, and acceptance.

Jules Rosskam, the director, is known for his work in queer and trans cinema, emphasizing authenticity and the inclusion of diverse voices within the LGBTQ+ community. His dedication to representing underrepresented narratives is evident in transparent, which foregrounds the lived experiences of FTM parents and challenges traditional notions of gender and family.

The Role and Content of TransparentTheMovie.com

Website Purpose and Features

TransparentTheMovie.com served as the film’s official online presence, providing:

  • Detailed information about the documentary and its director

  • Screening dates and locations, including film festivals and community events

  • Press coverage, reviews, and critical commentary

  • Educational resources for institutions and individuals interested in gender studies and LGBTQ+ issues

  • A platform for discussion and community engagement around the themes explored in the film

The website was instrumental in connecting the film to a broader audience, particularly within academic, activist, and LGBTQ+ communities.

Reviews and Critical Reception

Academic and Educational Praise

transparent received significant attention from educational institutions and gender studies scholars. The Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO) highlighted the film’s importance for libraries and institutions with strong gender studies curricula, recommending it as a valuable resource for audiences interested in discussions of gender roles, family diversity, and the experiences of transgender parents. EMRO noted that the film provides an “important platform for considering or discussing issues of gender—especially society’s expected gender roles and conformity issues as well as the treatment of ‘non-traditional’ families,” and recommended it for audiences who might question the appropriateness of transgender people’s ability to parent.

Jillana Enteen, Associate Director of the Gender Studies Program at Northwestern University, praised the documentary for its unique focus on an “almost invisible group of FTMs who have given birth.” She emphasized that the film “not only speaks to the broad experiences of the trans community but also provides a fresh angle on the complications about any assumptions concerning genders, sexualities, motherhood, parenting, and identity construction.” Enteen also commended director Rosskam for foregrounding the contradictions in the subjects’ accounts, rather than editing to achieve a unified narrative.

Nick Davis, also of Northwestern University, described transparent as a film that “puts not just one face but 19 different faces on the issues of transgender lives, rights, and relationships.” He noted that the documentary works as both an introduction to transgender experiences for outsiders and a meaningful contribution to ongoing conversations within the community.

Media and Festival Coverage

The film was featured in numerous film festivals, including:

  • NewFest (World Premiere, New York)

  • San Francisco International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (Frameline)

  • Outfest (Los Angeles)

  • Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

  • London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival

  • Mardi Gras Film Festival (Sydney)

  • Florence Queer Film Festival

  • Inside/Out Festival (Toronto)

  • Pink Screen Brussels

These screenings brought the film to diverse audiences across North America, Europe, and Australia, and the website was a key resource for festival attendees and organizers.

Sarah Boslaugh, writing for Playback:stl, gave the film a 7/10 rating and remarked, “There can be no better demonstration of the fluidity of gender identity than Transparent, a 2005 documentary by Jules Rosskam.”

Audience and Community Engagement

TransparentTheMovie.com targeted a wide range of audiences, including:

  • Members of the transgender and broader LGBTQ+ communities

  • Academics and students in gender studies, sociology, and psychology

  • Activists working on issues of gender diversity and family rights

  • Healthcare professionals and social workers seeking to better understand transgender parenthood

  • General audiences interested in documentary film and social issues

The website fostered dialogue and education, providing a space for viewers to engage with the film’s themes and share their own experiences. It also offered resources for organizing screenings and discussions, making it a valuable tool for community groups and educators.

Cultural and Social Significance

transparent and its website played a significant role in expanding public understanding of transgender experiences, particularly those involving parenthood and family life. The film’s subjects challenged stereotypes and broadened the conversation about what it means to be a parent, a man, and a member of a family.

The documentary’s focus on FTM parents who have given birth was especially groundbreaking, as it highlighted the diversity within the transgender community and addressed issues rarely discussed in public forums. By providing a platform for these stories, TransparentTheMovie.com contributed to greater visibility and acceptance of transgender individuals and families.

The film and website also intersected with broader debates about marriage equality, parental rights, and the recognition of non-traditional families. By showcasing the real-life experiences of transgender parents, the project encouraged audiences to reconsider assumptions about gender, biology, and family roles.

Details, Insights, and Specific Examples

Film Content and Storytelling

The documentary interweaves interviews with home-movie footage, creating a personal and intimate portrayal of its subjects. The film explores questions such as:

  • How do FTM parents reconcile their history of giving birth with their male identities?

  • What language do their children use to refer to them—“mom,” “dad,” or something else?

  • How do families and communities respond to transgender parenthood?

  • What are the emotional and social challenges faced by transgender parents and their children?

By presenting a range of perspectives and experiences, the film avoids simplistic or monolithic narratives, instead highlighting the complexity and diversity of transgender lives.

Website Features Supporting the Film’s Mission

TransparentTheMovie.com provided:

  • Updates on upcoming and past screenings, helping to build a sense of community among viewers

  • Press kits and educational materials for institutions and media outlets

  • Testimonials and reviews from viewers, scholars, and activists

  • Information on how to organize local screenings or discussions

  • Links to related resources and organizations supporting transgender rights and family diversity

These features made the website an essential tool for outreach, education, and advocacy.

Broader Impact and Legacy

transparent and its website have had a lasting impact on the representation of transgender people in media and public discourse. By focusing on the lived experiences of FTM parents, the project helped to humanize and destigmatize transgender identities, paving the way for more inclusive and nuanced portrayals in film, television, and academic research.

The documentary’s success at film festivals and its positive reception from critics and scholars underscore its importance as a cultural artifact. The website’s role in promoting the film and facilitating discussion contributed to its influence within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community.

 

TransparentTheMovie.com was more than just a promotional site for a documentary—it was a vital resource for education, advocacy, and community building around issues of transgender parenthood and family diversity. By supporting the film’s mission and connecting audiences to its powerful stories, the website played a crucial role in advancing understanding, acceptance, and dialogue about gender, identity, and family in contemporary society.

 

TransparentTheMovie.com