Doors 7:30p
Program 8:00p

UnionDocs
352 Onderdonk Ave
Ridgewood, NY

We’re delighted to co-present an evening of cinema and conversation with Nooks & Crannies (犄角旮旯) – come through for a screening of Xiaodi by Junmi Chen (who will be in attendance), and Guo Gao!

Xiaodi offers a rare and in depth exploration of the life of 17-year-old transgender girl Xiaodi, delving into her personal journey and the challenges she faces while undergoing “gender correction treatment” in China. Through Xiaodi’s story, the film explores the physical and emotion toil this treatment takes and provides insight into the structural barriers of growing up transgender within the cultural and institutional frameworks of family, education, and healthcare.

This independent Chinese production, co-presented by Nooks & Crannies (犄角旮旯) and Zephyr Society (热风), seeks to raise awareness about the realities of gender diversity and inclusion in China. A post-screening Q&A session with director Junmi Chen will further explore these themes and the filmmaking process. Don’t miss it!

Program

Xiaodi by Junmi Chen and Guo Gao

45 mins, 2021, China

On the 17th birthday of transgender girl Huang Xiaodi, the whole family gathered to celebrate her birthday. After dinner, her parents asked her to get in the car, so that they could take her to buy a birthday present. However, what awaited her was not a shop, but an institution on Gele Mountain in Chongqing. Xiaodi’s parents believed that sending her there would help convert Xiaodi, and turn her into a ‘normal’ boy. But in the face of violence and humiliation, Xiaodi hardened her resolve, and waited for a chance to escape. This gripping, uncomfortable documentary features interviews with Xiaodi, who recounts first-hand her traumatic experiences, as well as her mother, who discusses her motivations and changing perspective on questions of gender.

Program Duration: 45 mins

Bios

Junmi Chen 陈军米 is a visionary LGBT activist and documentary filmmaker whose work seamlessly blends art and advocacy to champion the rights of the LGBT community. With a deep commitment to LGBT youth development and trans rights, Junmi has become a prominent voice for change in China.