The journey of a young man's transition from coming out to the present day, medically and socially transitioned. It is a documentary-style narrative surrounding the struggles of being trans and the sheer happiness of coming out and living by your true self.

Interview with Writer/Director/Actor Alexander Benezra

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

This film has been 7 years in the making, purely to take note of my experiences and transition but later became a learning tool for myself, I hadn't seen many "happy" trans short films about overcoming barriers and being able to express your true self and so wanted to make a film that resembles that just that. I wanted to make a film others could learn from but could also be entertained while watching.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

This film is for everyone, whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community or not, it teaches you awareness of the community but also allows you to understand why the film is relevant today. I think this film is worth watching because it explores multiple paths through one's transition journey and how there isn't a "right" or "wrong" way to transition. The film also has something for everyone whether you're learning about the community or whether you feel isolated within, Transparency can help.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Personal themes are represented throughout the film, while the film does depict my journey I was also very specific while making it to make sure it doesn't only display that but also evolves to become something more. I wanted to demonstrate the universal theme of being isolated and using something so simple to truly overcome that feeling with this film and with the opportunity to talk about the untalked about, especially within the queer community.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

When starting out, there was never a script, at first it was a couple of pages where I wanted to portray certain scenes or specific shots I felt were important to have. However, as the film went on to development and later production the "script" and idea for the film as a whole changed entirely. Soon, animation was brought in and more and more actors appeared to share their stories which for me was incredibly important.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

For the most part, they've been positive which is great to hear! Many of my friends knew me when I wanted to make this film and so it feels very special to be able to show them the work I put into Transparency! Almost like a "Hey, I did It! I did it!"

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback has surprised me, this was never supposed to be a big production film and I never wanted it to be. At first, this was just a small project I wanted to work on my own which later changed when more and more people started commenting on the film and talking to me about their own experiences as well.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I'm looking for people to watch the film and educate themselves on the queer community but also be able to share their own experiences in a safe place.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Journalists!

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I would love for this film to be recognised among the queer community and have some sort of impact when it comes to representation.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

"Why is this film important?"

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

For right now, I'm focusing on my uni work! However, I am looking forward to next year and seeing what I do next, hopefully with a bigger crew and better knowledge!

Interview: June 2024

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Transparency

Length: 14:34

Director: Alexander Benezra

Producer: Freya Cate Cross

Writer: Alexander Benezra

About the writer, director and producer:

ALEXANDER BENEZRA is a passionate 21-year-old aspiring filmmaker and writer based in Naarm. Currently, he is undertaking a Diploma in Screen & Media to further his studies surrounding film and explore his creative ambitions. His profound dedication to spreading awareness to strong, principle topics solely branches from his identity as a trans man. Alexander relies greatly on teaching and entertaining through the power of media and uses his experiences to support others going through similar struggles.

FREYA CATE CROSS is an emerging photographer from and based in Naarm (Melbourne). She is currently completing a bachelor of photography at RMIT University. She has an interest in a variety of photography avenues but has a focus on art-centred series. Her work embodies an Australian Gothic, Vintage-inspired aesthetic. She uses her art to explore and express her own diverse experiences and gives others a place to do the same with theirs. She is very passionate about raising awareness for a variety of topics and hopes to encourage reflection, understanding, connectedness, and change through her work.

Key cast: Sean Benson, Kaleb Rufio, Han Arbuthnott

Looking for: journalists

Instagram: @alexanderelijah03

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Film Festival - Melbourne Documentary Film Festival - Date; July 28th 10:30am at Cinema Nova