“Trans Portraiture” at Block Cinema
“Trans Portraiture” at Block Cinema
In late February and March 2025, Block Cinema presents Trans Portraiture, a unique film series that explores early and contemporary representations of transgender lives on screen. At the heart of this series is a collection of rare documentaries from the 1970s and 1980s, rediscovered and preserved by Block Cinema after years of archival neglect. These pioneering short films, often created by student filmmakers and circulated in film festivals, medical schools, and professional conferences, offer some of the earliest empathetic portrayals of trans individuals in media.
The Trans Portraiture series will feature these early works alongside recent films by trans filmmakers, creating a dialogue between past and present perspectives on gender identity. Screenings will include discussions with leading curators, critics, and scholars who specialize in transgender film history, enriching the experience with expert insights and contextual exploration. In collaboration with filmmakers and archives from around the world, Block Cinema is restoring original 16mm materials to bring these films to a wider audience for both viewing and research.