I Am Sirat

From Oscar-nominated filmmaker Deepa Mehta and first-time documentarian Sirat Taneja comes this unprecedented look at trans life in Delhi — through the eyes of Sirat, a trans woman forced to go back into the closet when living with, and caring for, her traditional mother.

Out in the world, Sirat has a great life — a good job, supportive friends both in and out of the city’s queer community, and a growing presence on Instagram, where she lip-synchs pop songs with pointed messages about empowerment and sexuality.

But at home, Sirat must pretend to be someone she never was — the dutiful son of a mother who can’t accept the idea of a trans daughter. Sirat can’t even get dressed as herself in her own bedroom, renting a space nearby for her clothes and makeup. And this seemingly irresolvable conflict proves to be a microcosm of modern India — caught between tradition and progress, and not changing as fast as some need it to.

This is a true collaboration between Deepa Mehta and Sirat Taneja, whose candid footage, shot in portrait mode on her phone, is key to I Am Sirat’s authenticity. But Mehta’s empathetic eye and compassionate interviewing style prove just as essential, letting Sirat tell her own story on her own terms — and be seen, as she is, in full.

NORM WILNER

Trailer...