Film spotlight: thesis on a domestication explores trans identity amidst professional and personal turbulence
Argentine director Javier Van de Couter’s latest project, “Thesis on a Domestication,” offers a rich tapestry of themes, exploring how domestic life and career success intersect with latent trauma and erotic expression.
A dynamic production
Produced by Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna’s ambitious Mexican production company, La Corriente del Golfo, Thesis on a Domestication is set to make waves. As it prepares for global competition for the Q Hugo Award, the film will debut within the LGBTQ+ focused Outlook program at the Chicago International Film Festival, from Oct. 16-27, before moving on to Morelia.
A powerhouse team behind the scenes
Key figures such as Buenos Aires-based Aurora Cine founder Laura Huberman, Ramiro Pavón of Argentina’s Oh My Gomez! Films, Van de Couter, and contributors from La Corriente del Golfo bring this project to life. This collaboration reflects their continual push for bold narratives that challenge and expand Latin cinema.
An adaptation by Camila Sosa Villada
The film adapts an upcoming novel by acclaimed trans multi-hyphenate Camila Sosa Villada, set for English-language publication by 2026. Villada’s previous work, “Las Malas,” received prestigious accolades, making her a powerful voice in contemporary literature.
Delving into the narrative
Co-written by Sosa Villada, Van de Couter, and Huberman, the screenplay dives deep into the life of a famous trans actress. As she strives for a promising future, her past continues to influence her journey, shaping her in unforeseen ways. The protagonist, played by Sosa Villada herself, showcases a character filled with agency and resilience.
Crafting authentic cinema
Van de Couter emphasizes the importance of maintaining the original novel’s layers, poetry, eroticism, and ambiguity. Transitioning from literature to film presented challenges, especially in preserving the novel’s third-person narrative perspective while crafting an observational and distanced staging through the film.
Previous collaborations and dynamic performances
Van de Couter and Sosa Villada previously collaborated on the 2011 film “Mía,” awarded Best Feature at various international festivals. In this new project, Sosa Villada stars opposite Mexican actor Alfonso Herrera, her character navigating a complex relationship with his steady and conventional lawyer persona. Their evolving monogamous life, challenged by past traumas and future aspirations, propels the narrative forward.
A rich tapestry of celebration and conflict
The teaser trailer reveals scenes of public adoration, seduction, and romance, as the protagonist navigates a path toward self-acceptance. It juxtaposes the responsibilities of matrimony and motherhood with the liberating pursuit of personal expression. The contrasting backdrops of Buenos Aires’ urban luxury and the vibrant mountain landscapes of her rural hometown visually enrich the film.
Authenticity at the core
Van de Couter discusses the protagonist’s journey to balance incompatible aspects of her life. He notes that the film deviates from typical narratives about trans individuals, offering a fresh perspective on their lives. The protagonist’s decisions and digressions reveal a poetic need to retain her essence amidst domesticity.
A celebration of trans identity
“Thesis on a Domestication” powerfully challenges societal norms and examines what constitutes a fulfilling life. It emphasizes that staying true to oneself is a potent rebellion against conformity, highlighting the simultaneous presence of trans pain, joy, hardship, and triumph.
Diverse cinema, honest representation
Van de Couter champions diverse cinema that portrays trans people authentically. He insists that films shouldn’t always depict trans individuals as compassionate or marginal. Instead, cinema should present their lives without disguise, creating a unique, hypnotic effect on viewers.
In embracing these authentic narratives, “Thesis on a Domestication” stands as a testament to the power of truthful storytelling.
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