Herald web series TransGenerations wins International Short Film Awards

The New Zealand Herald’s video series TransGenerations was awarded Best Web Series at the Berlin Short Film Festival.

The eight-part program tells the stories of transgender Kiwis from the late 70s to early 20s, documenting the history of the trans experience in New Zealand and the stereotypes of who trans people are.

Producer Naashon Zalk of Trajectory Media said he and his team were delighted with the international response to TransGenerations, which was made with the support of NZ On Air and published on nzherald.co.nz in July and August.

“So far we’ve been shown in the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia and Korea.”

Since its release, TransGenerations has participated in the British International Film Festival, Edinburgh Film Festival (currently a quarter-finalist), Berlin Short Film Festival (Winner, Best Web Series), Vancouver Independent Filmmaker Awards (currently a semi-finalist), Sydney Web Fest, NZ Web Fest (nominated for Best in Show, Factual) , Arizona Women’s Festival, KWebfest (nominee) and Melbourne Independent Film Festival (currently a semi-finalist).

Zalk said the series came at an important time.

“Over the past few years, there has been an alarming international increase in anti-trans rhetoric, anti-trans violence and anti-trans legislation. We hope this series will do its part to counter that by showing what it means to be trans these days.”

Herald editor Murray Kirkness said nzherald.co.nz was proud to publish a series that candidly reflects the lives of trans people in this country.

“We are very happy to see that the international jury feels the same way and we hope that the series will continue its great run at other short film festivals around the world.”

So far, the series has had more than 70,000 views on the Herald’s website and app.

TransGenerations was filmed at a time of increased visibility for trans people, which can be seen in several scenes, from the celebrations at the Big Gay Out to the angry crowd protesting anti-trans activist Posy Parker.

As host Brady Pitt, a trans actor and singer, explained in an interview with the Herald, in many ways now is the best time to be trans. In parts of society, trans issues and rights are now being championed and being trans is becoming more and more normalized.

But on the other hand, she feels it has never been more dangerous, as demonstrated by the outcry of anti-trans hate following Parker’s brief visit to the country.

“It’s hard to be trans because just being there can make some people angry,” Pete says in the first episode.

“No one takes this decision lightly. I don’t think it’s ever difficult to be honest with you. “

The characters in the series went from 78 years old to 50 years old and became prominent activists in their 20s. They talk candidly about identity and prejudice, forced sex work and surviving prison, family life in all its forms – and their passions for sport, politics and the arts.

Transgenerations Produced with support from NZ On Air. To track the series, see nzherald.co.nz/transgenerations