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Written by Gregg Shapiro, Staff writer
Jun 17, 2010
"Mine” is on DVD.
‘Mine’
Animal lover or not, when you watch this Hurricane Katrina aftermath documentary from Film Movement, make sure to have tissues nearby. In the days following the mandatory evacuation of New Orleans and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, many pet owners had to leave behind beloved dogs, cats and other animals. Motels, emergency shelters and even the Superdome posted signs that animals were not allowed. A number of animal advocates arrived specifically to evacuate animals.
“Mine” presents two emotionally charged sides to a complex story. Separated pets and owners, including electrical contractor Victor and his dog Max, 7th Ward resident Jessie and his dog J.J., Linda and her dog Precious, and several others found themselves in a situation they never could have imagined: Their rescued pets were adopted by good Samaritans who quickly became attached to them and didn’t want to give them up, resulting in heated custody battles.
Director Geralyn Pezanoski objectively presents both sides of the stories. Like Tia Lessin’s “Trouble The Water” and the other Katrina documentaries that have emerged, “Mine” is a collection of stories about this senseless tragedy that deserves to be seen by everyone.
‘Trinidad’
Transgender documentaries are the new black. Films such as “Prodigal Sons,” “She’s A Boy I Knew,” “Riot Acts” and “Against A Trans Narrative” are just a few that are currently in circulation. In this expanding documentary sub-genre, “Trinidad” (trinidadthemovie.com) is a welcome addition. With a population of only 9,000, the former frontier town of Trinidad, Colo., has come to be known as the spiritual center for transsexuals – the sex change capitol of the world, if you will.
Dr. Stanley Biber, who arrived there in 1954 to open the United Mine Workers clinic, got a special dispensation from the Vatican to perform an early sex change operation in the Catholic hospital where he worked. Dr. Marci Bowers, an M-to-F transsexual herself, gave up her work as an OB/GYN in Seattle and moved to Trinidad to work closely with Biber. Bowers coined the term “Genital Reassignment Surgery,” stating that the gender was already present in the patients.
In addition to learning about Bowers’ experiences both under and in command of the knife, we become acquainted with Sabrina, Laura and other patients and trans people in Trinidad. Sabrina and Laura each share their stories and perspectives. While in Trinidad, the women plan to open Morning Glow, a recovery center for post-op transsexuals, but their lack of experience leads them to stumble through their plans and encounter numerous setbacks.
The other residents of Trinidad also share their feelings about the trans population in their town, which range from supportive to indifferent to downright hostile. Sabrina and Laura’s respective children also offer enlightening viewpoints.
Viewers with weak constitutions should be aware that there is graphic surgery in the film. DVD bonus features include Bowers’ presentation at an International Foundation for Gender Equality conference and the film’s trailer.
