https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zziRHPQwPI
Afuera (2016)
The story of a Latina struggling to thrive at the intersection of her transgender and immigrant identities, this short narrative film debuted at the Los Angeles Film Festival and screened throughout the US. A short film that packs a punch, Afuera follows a day in the life of Jennifer (newcomer Jennifer London), who finds herself caught between her need to be herself and an ultimatum from her boyfriend Pedro (Santiago Malkuth). Afuera features all trans actresses playing the roles of trans women; a rarity in far too many LGBTQ films.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
I made AFUERA to explore the intersection between the immigrant and transgender experiences, and the resilience of this community. As a gay man of color from a working-class, immigrant family, I understand deeply the complexity of identity, and I want to explore these characters in a way that is authentic and universal. My goal is to discover and empower new transgender talent of color, as well as illuminate their specific plight. Caitlyn Jenner, Laverne Cox, and Jill Soloway were instrumental in bringing transgender narratives into the mainstream. However, the stories of undocumented transgender women are virtually invisible. AFUERA helps raise awareness, while at the same time, humanizes the undocumented-trans experience. -Steven Liang
