Documentary film

[Laura912]

There is a new documentary film just released at the Vail Film Festival that will touch many of you who visit this section of the forum…”Our dad, Danielle.” It is the true story of a person transitioning after a successful career as an attorney, and doing it in Texas. Other women, some you may know, appear in the film with parts of their story.

Although this post could be in the media section, the messages from the film seem particularly poignant for those here.

[vplshowoff]

https://ourdaddanielle.com/

[Katya@]

Thank you for the link. Certainly recognized at least one more person :)

When and how we could watch the full movie?

[Dorit]

Thank you Laura for posting this.

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

"Nobody wants to begin life when they're 70 years old" hit close to home.

[Jeri Ann]

This thread will stay in this section. The film mentioned is about transition and what it costs some women. I watched it last night. After the film is an interview with Sarah King, the Director, and Leah Judge, the Producer. These are amazing women are on a mission to change the world and humanize trans women.

I am honored to know the women presented in this film. I can?t even comprehend how Anandrea Molina, the trans woman from Mexico, opened and operated a shelter for Latina trans women while she was still undocumented herself.

Sasha is a doll. My heart breaks though when I think that she can never go home again, probably never see her mother again. Her future has a lot of potential but is a reflection of the love and generosity of the amazing trans women who have come into her life.

And, of course, Danielle, one of the top attorneys in the country, who?s career ?cratered? as a result of her transition. Much of her time is now devoted to pro bono work, advocacy and activism for transgender people. She has helped me.

Everyone who visits this section needs to see this film. At the end is an opportunity to rate the film.

https://watch.eventive.org/vailfilmfestival/play/612d41993b616f0054e20da0

[Katya@]

Hi Jeri Ann,

Thank you for the link to watch. Truly enjoyed watching the movie. I love watching stories shared by trans people. Thank you for sharing yours too. I feel like I know you for so long so seeing you in the movie seemed totally ordinary but cool at the same time ��

Will watch Q&A movie part tomorrow.

Hugs,
Katya.

[Aunt Kelly]

It was a privilege to be a (very) small part of this important film, working with filmmakers who so clearly understood the many issues faced by transgender people and who went to extraordinary lengths to document and present those issues. While it will certainly communicate to a wide audience what a struggle TG people face as they transition, I can't help but feel that it also has a message for the TG community itself. None of the stories examined are "sunshine and rainbows". Not even close. They are stories of survival. They are painful to watch, at times, as we come to understand the sacrifices made to achieve that survival. At the same time, some of the stories are stirring, to say the list, as examples of selflessness and even bravery.
No matter what you think you know about the transgender experience, do yourself a favor and see this film. :)

[Jeri Ann]

The window for viewing the documentary is now closed. I am pleased to announce that it won the viewers award for the Vail Film Festival. I think that it will be available for viewing again in the near future through another virtual film festival. Again, this film is about the transitions of four women in completely different situations.

[Katya@]

I am pleased to announce that it won the viewers award for the Vail Film Festival
This is such a wonderful news! After seeing the Q&A section and realizing how much effort went into it, all I can say is that it is a well deserved award. Looking forward for the movie to be widely available in the near future.

[Nikki.]

Jeri Ann, looks like the link to view it has expired. Any other way to watch it on a pay per view basis?

[Aunt Kelly]

Nikki,
As Jeri Ann has shared, the film is not yet in general release, so no PPV, YouTube, etc., but we're told that it should be available again soon in conjunction with another film festival.

[Nikki.]

thanks- i didn’t refresh my browser window before i commented :)

[Jeri Ann]

The future plans for the film are pending. At least two other film festivals, as well as Netflix, are possibilities. There will possibly be another project in the future as well.

[Devi SM]

It looks to be an amazing and heartbreaking movie, especially for us.
I read.your message Jeri Ann but I'd been so busy with a new job plus my current always activities.

I'll be alert if someone, that has connections with the producers, can be checking when is going to be available again.

I think the best way to catch it again is to be checking in Google for the name...

At least I saw the trailer where Jery appears swimming....����

Update:

If you go to the website of the project, www.ourdaddanielle.com and subscribe, for sure they will alert you when available...

[Aunt Kelly]

"Our Dad, Danielle (https://watch.eventive.org/pdxff21/play/615d50d09612dc00d0aa6440)" is now streaming, through November 5, as an entry in the 2021 Portland Film Festival.

[Jeri Ann]

I believe the documentary is available for view through November the 8th.

[Nikki.]

Do you have a link or know where? the links above did not yield the movie available to watch.

[Jeri Ann]

I just Googled Portlandfilm.org.
Choose the Box Office menu
In the search window type, Our Dad, Danielle
Once a ticket is purchased you have until the 8th to watch it.
Let me know if this doesn?t work.

[Nikki.]

thanks, that worked!

[Aunt Kelly]

"Our Dad, Danielle" has won the Portland Film Festival's "LGBTQIA Voices Award". :cheer:

[Jeri Ann]

The director and producer did an excellent job telling DJ?s transition story. The film has had a positive impact on people who previously had disapproved of trans people, according to reports.

The film is available to view for three more days (until Nov. 8) at Portlandfilm.org. As of this writing the film has received two awards and will probably be selected for additional film festivals before being picked up by a network.

[docrobbysherry]

I guess at age 78 I'm quite different than Danielle? Her life "--began at 70".

While my trans life began in my 60's? I had a great life before I suddenly began secretly dressing in my 50's.:battingeyelashes:

And, I'm having a ball in what I call, "My second life!":heehee:

[Jeri Ann]

Doc you obviously only watched the trailer. It will be a long time before DJ is 70. Watch the film and you will understand DJ’s story. This film is about transitioning from a life as a male to life as a Female. The film briefly mentions the very different transition of three other trans women.

The film has already proved to be a change agent for the benefit of the trans community. People actually watching the film, and rating it well, increases the reach of the very important message that trans people are normal in their own right and worthy of human rights just like everyone else.

[CDLagras]

i think there should be more movies like this.. thanks for sharing!

[Di]

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie.Very touching .
That it won viewers award for the Vail Film Festival is outstanding.
Is there any news for future plans?

[Jeri Ann]

Hey Di,

Actually yes, the documentary, "Our Dad Danielle", will make its international debut at the Manchester Film Festival on March 19 at 7:50 PM. I do not know what time zone that is. I believe this link will connect you, https://www.maniff.com/documentary-films-2022.

The film won two additional awards at the Portland Film Festival.

A group from the U.S., Texas and Los Angeles, are planning a trip to England for the showing of the film. So far in the U.S. showings have been virtual. I can't go with the group because I am committed to my volunteer work at the Houston rodeo that runs from February 28 to March 20.

[Jeri Ann]

Well, the documentary won an award at the Manchester Film Festival also. It was the first public showing because of pandemic protocols in place at the time of the Vail and Portland Film Festivals.

Now the film is an official selection for the Dances With Films Festival in Los Angeles. It will be an in person showing June 18th at the TCL Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. There will be a Red Carpet Event prior to the showing.

Back in March three members of the film crew flew to Houston from LA, Chicago and New York and spent three days getting additional footage of me. They even followed me to the Houston Rodeo and got footage of me working a shift. Some extra footage has been added to the film now I understand. It will be interesting to see what they added to my small part.

My attendance has been requested for the red carpet event, the showing and some parties and get togethers. The production company has covered my expenses. Danielle is moving from Houston to LA and already has a house there. Efforts are being made to get the other two women in the film out there too. I have not been given an expense account to cover a wardrobe for the trip. Maybe I need an agent.

[bridget thronton]

That is exciting news Jeri

[Jenn A116]

Very exciting news! An event at the Chinese Theater is really something! What date will the film be shown?

[Devi SM]

Jenn, I know Jeri Ann is very busy these days because we were chatting before last week about this event in LA, she invited me but I had scheduled my GCS a few days before it but now they scheduled my surgery for July 11th so I'm going to the event at the Chinese theater in Hollywood on June 18th 12.30 pm.

I'd love to be at the red carpet event but idk how to attend it.
It would be great if we could make a group of girls attending to the event...
If anybody want and can the theater ticket is just $18 ...get in.touch with me...

[Jeri Ann]

Attending the red carpet event just requires showing up in time. No ticket or invitation is necessary. It is part of the movie experience. I just got off the phone with the Producer, Leah Judge, and she said that the cast and crew will arrive, hopefully, at 11:30 AM. I suppose that we will walk down the carpet individually? or maybe in line? I don?t know much about that stuff.

Leah is an amazing singer and musician. She will be performing at the ?After Party? at the Roosevelt Hotel. She wants me to perform with her. I think we have settled on a medley of old favorites. I need to practice.

[Shannon michelle]

Unfortunately I planned a trip back to Texas and won?t be here when you are in LA. Enjoy the trip and premiere.

[Jeri Ann]

Thanks Shannon. I was hoping to see you again. It?s been a long time.

[Devi SM]

hi girls,

I want to share with you that I'm so excited going to the movie on June 18th.
This is the outfit I bought last Saturday just to attend that day In these pics I rehearse everything included my minimum, natural make up.

[Jeri Ann]

That is a great look for the event.

I have my dress but waiting on shoes.

I ordered three pairs to decide from and will send two back.

Soon I will start packing.

[Jenn A116]

Nice outfit! Wondering if you'll be chilly while at the movie.

[Devi SM]

Theaters at California are always chilly with the A/C but outside, for sure will be hot...But you know, be a beauty has its price to pay....lol

[Di]

Counting down the days Jeri Ann . Only 18 days till the red carpet:)
I wish I could be there and show support and hope you know how proud I am.
Can hardly wait to hear all about it and see pictures.

[Lana Mae]

Di spoke for me! Wishing all the best! Hugs Lana Mae

[Jeri Ann]

Down to two weeks from flying to LA and I am more than a little nervous. It is not much time to get ready. The two days prior to leaving are booked with appointments for lash extensions, mani/pedi, spray tan, dog grooming and hair.

The dog grooming is for Obi.
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I have never had lash extensions before but I need to glam up some.
I have never messed with spray tan either but my legs are so ugly and hopefully a coat of paint will prevent people from throwing up when I step out on the red carpet.
The hair? I will leave Marissa’s shop and go to the airport.

[Nadine Spirit]

Yay!! I'm so happy for you Jeri Ann, and just a little bummed for myself not being able to attend the event. Oh well!

I used to do lash extensions for a while. I loved the effect they gave, but they required a bit of care and delicate handling and eventually I decided to start using a lash serum instead. My lashes now are full and lush, but not nearly as lovely as the effect extensions can make. So, enjoy!

[Jeri Ann]

Yes Nadine. In about four days you will not give a flip about a movie. Just sayin.

Good luck on your Covid test tomorrow.

It would be cool to have a get together in Hollywood but, as far as I know, only Devi from this forum has plans to attend. Everyone could be my guest at the after party.

Life gets in the way and travel is very expensive right now. Nonetheless, this film will eventually be released on Netflix, YouTube or something like that. It is an important work for the the benefit of trans people.

[Dorit]

Jeri Ann, I would love to attend and glam it up with you, being somewhat of a celebrity in my own country!:heehee: Actually I am quite a bit closer to LA as I am now in San Francisco for the next 10 days. My twin brother recently had a heart attack and will have bypass surgery today. I am here for him. I think you will enjoy the experience!!:)

[Jeri Ann]

Best wishes for your brother?s surgery.

I will be in San Francisco next month, June 11 through August 2, tending to a friend who is having her surgery June 13. We are driving from Houston together but she will stay longer and I will drive home by myself after I take her to her last post op.

I am hoping to see some forum friends while I am in SF but at least two of y?all will be recuperating from your own surgeries and traveling would not be recommended.

[Jeri Ann]

Just four days now and my suitcase is packed except for makeup and toiletries that I need for the next few days. Not much planned for tomorrow but the next two days are booked solid with appointments and last minute punch list items.

Obi is moping around. He hates it when I get the suitcase out. Aunt Kelly is going to house sit him. He is a shelter pup and too fragile to board. Kelly?s generous offer to sit with Obi is the most important thing that made this trip possible.

[Di]

Counting the days along with you .
So happy you have a wonderful friend in Aunt Kelly.
I am so excited for you.

[Devi SM]

I'm so excited to meet you Jeri Ann. I'm in a promoti g campaing with friends and people around d her socal, friends at IG.
Dorit, you has been of the referents and an inspiration for my transition to a real life. I'd love to meet you. If for any lucky change in your brother's situation you can make to the movie I'd be more than happy. To meet Jeri Ann and you, wow! what an event would be....

[Aunt Kelly]

Just four days now and my suitcase is packed except for makeup and toiletries that I need for the next few days. Not much planned for tomorrow but the next two days are booked solid with appointments and last minute punch list items.

Obi is moping around. He hates it when I get the suitcase out. Aunt Kelly is going to house sit him. He is a shelter pup and too fragile to board. Kelly?s generous offer to sit with Obi is the most important thing that made this trip possible.

Don't worry. Obi and I are going to have a grand time while you're hob-knobbing with those Hollywood types. He tell me he knows the location of the treats and the liquor. :)

[Dorit]

It was close to a meet up, but I was not able to be free. I stayed with my brother until our sister arrived and then flew home on June 15. His surgery went well, his recovery has been slow. While this is not SRS, a triple bypass will definitely take some time to recover from.:heehee:

[Devi SM]

Ladies I'll try to be short (everybody knows I use a lot of words and my English is not the best...)
If you remember, I was planning to attend to the presentation of the movie at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, Ca. after dropping my wife at LAX. She is traveling to Chile to visit her 93 year old mom. The flight schedule changed and instead of a 9:00 am drop off at the airport we now had to somehow make a 2:00 pm drop off.

The change in plans now involved attending with wife. We were lucky to arrive 5 minutes before the movie started when I saw a beautiful, sexy, tall lady in a long red dress walking towards the entry of the theater, I called to her, "Jeri Ann", her greeting was so warm, more than I could Imagine. She gave me a tight hug that lasted forever for me...I even forgot to introduce my wife witch I did later while movie was running.

The movie is amazing. I hadn't had the opportunity to watch it but was great to see it in the theater. My eyes were wet with some scenes that sounded like my own life scenes.
To watch the interview of Jeri Ann was so touching for the same I mention before and wife, seated at my right, while Jeri on my left, encourage me to help Jeri Ann when she started crying. I mention that because my wife, after several years, hard years for both, finally is showing abundant acts of support, acceptance and embracing my transition.

Unfortunately, we had to leave before the end of the film, to drive to LAX 50 minutes away, not 30 minutes as I had planned. At LAX I had to deal with extra baggage, get my wife checked in, then drive back to Miceli's Italian Restaurant where the cast, crew and special guests were celebrating. I finally met Jeri Ann while eating delicious Italian food, drinking my favorite Cuban drink, mojito...

Later we moved to The iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel to keep hanging out in the hotel's famous lobby bar. A lot of people wanted to talk with me to get to know me better. A couple from Italy, Silvia and husband Mateo, shared with me about a trans girl friend that needs some help. I met Becky, Dannielle's wife who invited me and my wife to have dinner at their house in LA.

I dropped Jeri Ann in her hotel and couldn't resist to give her a tight hug. I got home around midnight after driving 70 miles.

That day was like a dream but wasn't a dream, was real...Jeri Ann is real....lol

Pictures: first is me while waiting Jeri Ann changing dress at her hotel, second both at the theater, third, Jeri Ann performing on her Harmonica, the song Over the Rainbow at Miceli's restaurant, fourth, Danielle's wife, Becky and me at the Roosevelt Hotel, last, Jeri Ann and me at the hotel lobby bar.

(Jeri Ann, feel free to edit...)

[Jeri Ann]

The trip to Hollywood was hectic to say the least. From leaving my house to arriving back home was only 75 hours. I would have extended the trip but Aunt Kelly was already going above and beyond by house sitting with Obi while recovering from illness.

Flight delays and LA traffic resulted in getting checked in at the Hollywood Hilton later than expected and allowed for just a light supper and drinks the first evening at a wonderful restaurant with outdoor seating in
a beautiful garden area. I honestly don't know why I do not have pictures of that evening.

The plans for Friday got altered too when the director and producer got slammed with urgent work issues. They do contract directing, producing and editing in the film industry in addition to making their own films. They sent a limo to bring me to their house to hang out until they could get free. Our plans to go to the film festival were aborted that evening and instead Sarah King, the director and CEO of Melba Productions, coordinated dinner and drinks at El Condor in LA for us and her extended family who also traveled from Texas for the film showing. This is, from left to right, Leah (producer), Karen (Sarah's sister), mwah and Sarah.
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Saturday was the big day. Somehow I was ready when the limo arrived at 11:15 am. It was just about a half mile to the TCL Chinese Theater. In this photo I am on the famous carpet which was green, not red. I think they try not to clash with the background.
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The documentary has been featured at three previous film festivals in Vail, CO, Portland, OR, and Manchester England. Many people had seen the film and quite a few traveled to Hollywood for the first in person showing in the US. Those people knew me through the film and it was humbling to have so many people want to meet me. I am not a star and do not have much in the way of talent. The film just tells my story.

There were many people involved in the making of the film. One of my favorites was Mateo, the original videographer from Italy. Also in this photo is Sasha Simmons who is also in the film. Sasha is from Honduras and rescued by Danielle from prison, certain deportation and probable execution.
329463

One of the high points of my trip was meeting Devi. We had been friends here on the forum as well as Facebook, email and text messages. This picture is at the theater just before the film began.
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The after party was at the historic, seventy three year old Miceli's Italian Restaurant in Hollywood, in the basement with grand piano, open bar, buffet, it couldn't be more perfect. The party was for the cast, crew and special guests. I invited Devi to be my guest. As Devi has already posted, Leah and I performed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and a short while later we did an encore by request, "What a Wonderful World". She has already posted one picture from that event and I will post another when I have time to get pictures organized.

When our four hour reservation at Miceli's was up, the next stop was the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel to hang out in the massive lobby bar but not until I did a wardrobe change. Devi drove me to my hotel where I opted for a more casual outfit, black jeans, red sneakers and a halter top. It was a great time visiting over drinks and snacks. Here we are at the Roosevelt.
329465



I have a few more pictures and information to share when I have time.

[Di]

Devi, how wonderful I am so happy you got to attend. As hectic as the day ended up with the flight.changes and all it ended wonderful with your wife getting to join in as well.
I love how you described everything…..made me feel I was there

Jeri Ann
what a weekend to always remember. Magical barely covers it.
Stunning in your beautiful red dress ….I am speechless ( you know that is rare lol)
So happy for you and so proud of you.

[char GG]

It all sounds very exciting and glamorous Jeri Ann and Devi. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

[Jeri Ann]

There were many photos on ?the carpet? at the film showing. This is some of the cast and crew.
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I never dreamed that I would be performing in Los Angeles. Well ok, it was in the basement of a restaurant, but still...

I even hit most of the notes to ?Somewhere Over the Rainbow ? and ?What a Wonderful World?.
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I did instrumental breaks and Leah Judge did vocals and accompanied on guitar and piano. She also composed and performed the music for the film.
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These two humans have become part of my chosen family. I love em a lot.
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When I stopped pretending to be what I perceived others expected me to be, and began to live authentically, I experienced a freedom that I didn?t know existed. I am told that people living authenticity exude an energy. At Miceli?s Italian in Hollywood last Saturday there was an energy exuded by three trans women that was barely contained by the brick walls.
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[mykell]

very kool....pictures speak thousands of words....great share....kudos to all....

[Di]

When I stopped pretending to be what I perceived others expected me to be, and began to live authentically, I experienced a freedom that I didn?t know existed. I am told that people living authenticity exude an energy. At Miceli?s Italian in Hollywood last Saturday there was an energy exuded by three trans women that was barely contained by the brick walls

The picture and the above words really brought tears to my eyes.

[Jeri Ann]

My heart hurts for you Di. If only. 😔

[Jenn A116]

Wow! What a wonderful experience. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[Lana Mae]

So sorry I could not be there! So happy it all worked out for you all! Hugs Lana Mae

[Jeri Ann]

The documentary was recently featured at two more film festivals in Atlanta and Charlotte. It was on the big screen Saturday afternoon in Charlotte and yesterday was the last day to view it online.

The film was edited prior to its showing in Hollywood. More footage was added that included scenes at the rodeo, making cupcakes, working out . . .When I watched it again the other day I realized that my little dog Obi is in many of the scenes butis not listed in the credits. Hmm.

After six film festivals and many awards I think the festival run is over. It may be released at some point in the future but I have no information about that at this point.

In case anyone saw the new edited version, and wants to comment, I will leave this thread open for just a couple of more days.

[DaniellaUK]

Just watched the trailer, soooo need to watch this. Would be extremely grateful if anyone see's it released somewhere to reply or post about it

I can't begin to imagine how much fun the Hollywood event was :)

[Jeri Ann]

Daniella, the film had its first public showing at the Manchester Film Festival last March.

[DaniellaUK]

Unfortunately I cannot find anywhere online to ppv from the uk using any means. I will keep a lookout, really looking forward to viewing this. I never knew you was so famous Jeri Ann :)

[Aunt Kelly]

"Our Dad Danielle" is a powerful documentary. I sincerely hope that it finds it's way to general release so that many more people can see and hear the moving stories therein.

[Jeri Ann]

Well, I spoke too soon.

I received an email from the film festival and the documentary will be available for virtual viewing an additional week.

The link is info@outonfilm.org.

There is an opportunity to rate the film at the end.

[DaniellaUK]

Finally got to see this movie.

Wow what a journey it was watching this, I could not recommend highly enough for anyone to watch it, compelling viewing. My seven day pass expired tonight or I would have watched again!

Such amazing friends Danielle has. I won't say too much so as not to spoil it for anyone that hasn't seen the movie.

Was super seeing Jeri Ann in there too :) I sooo want some of those jeans you had on Jerri Ann, they were ace o mundo.

If this is ever on general release I cannot wait.

Finally thanks to Jeri Ann for brining the thread up again or I would not have had chance to view.