Be Like Others • Directed by Tanaz Eshaghian • 2008 • Canada/Iran/UK/USA

Be Like Others centers on a group of young men who decide to undergo sex reassignment surgery in a country with strict social views and traditional values. While homosexuality is punishable by death in Iran, sex change operations are legal under religious law. Tanaz Eshaghian’s camera follows along as these young men prepare for their transformation and get ready to be “reborn” into a new life. The rhythm of the film and the interweaving of emotional interviews create an atmosphere of gentle directness that forces viewers to truly see the lives and plights of transgender people.

Although Eshaghian’s mode of telling this story may at first appear simple, it visually reveals its nuances and complexities by means of a slowed-down, acute, and patiently observant sense of compassion and care. The way in which the drama unfolds in this documentary is melodramatic and sculpts an arresting portrait of the transgender experience in Iran.

Part of the double feature “We’re here, We’re Queer” is now live on Docunight. You can watch this program and all our other documentaries by becoming a member via docunight.com

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