This powerful collection of documentaries covers the life of author/poet Alok Vaid-Menon, a new mecca for trans people, a politically active Florida ballroom community, the growing pup population, an unexpected activist, and a non-binary shepherd and weaver.

Filmmaker Alex Hedison delivers a compelling portrait of her friend, Alok Vaid-Menon, the internationally acclaimed, non-binary, author, poet, comedian, and public speaker. This thought-provoking short documentary explores the limitless expression of self, challenges societal norms, and inspires viewers to embrace personal freedom beyond the binaries that divide us. Featuring Dylan Mulvaney, Chani Nicholas and other cultural change makers. Produced by Natalie Shirinian, Elizabeth Baudouin and Meggan Lennon. Executive Produced by Jodie Foster.

ALOK

Filmmaker Alex Hedison delivers a compelling portrait of her friend, Alok Vaid-Menon, the internationally acclaimed, non-binary, author, poet, comedian, and public speaker. Executive Produced by Jodie Foster.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the small Pennsylvania town of New Hope was among a few safe havens outside of major cities for gay men to find community. Over 30 years later, the town’s legacy remained, but now for a different community: transgender women. "Trans Heaven, Pennsylvania" explores the untold story of legendary, weekend-long parties that saw hundreds of transgender women and self-identified crossdressers take over the town, traveling from all over the country to meet other people like them. Through both interviews and stunning animation sequences that utilize never-before-seen archival photography, audiences not only get a glimpse into the heyday of these events in the early 2010s but also the iconic gay bar The Raven which became the unlikely cornerstone of these weekends.

Trans Heaven, Pennsylvania

In the early 2010s, hundreds of Transgender women took over a small American town each year for a legendary weekend-long party – one that changed their lives and the town forever.

An electric documentary that centers around “the sunshine state’s” queer ballroom scene. Miami has a thriving and diverse queer community, but is located in a state that is passing legislation to restrict gender affirming care and erase LGBTQ+ curriculum in schools. This year, Florida’s Annual Awards Ball is providing a space for community members to take a stand against Gov. Ron DeSantis and his hateful rhetoric through vibrant and captivating performances. Featuring this year’s fearless ball host Oso Milan, the selfless community organizer Jasmine McKenzie, and several others, the ballroom community unites to exemplify the power that performance and queer joy has as forms of resistance.

Shade in the Sunshine State

A glimpse into the ways the LGBTQ+ ballroom community in Miami, Florida use performance as a form of political activism in a state that is currently passing legislation to deny the rights of queer and transgender people.

Explore the world of gay/queer human Pups. This subculture that evolved from the gay leather community and now thrives in tandem. Interviews with over a dozen Pups reveal that Pup Play is a way of embodying the spirit of a dog, both physically and mentally. More than just a sexual fetish, Pup Play provides a way for individuals to escape the stresses of everyday life and embrace a mindful existence. Our “dogumentary” sheds light on this unique LGBT+ lifestyle, its stigmas and the freedoms attached to it.

Pup Perfect

Explore the world of gay/queer human Pups. Our “dogumentary” sheds light on this unique LGBT+ lifestyle, its stigmas and its freedoms.

Handwoven is a lyrical portrait of Nikyle Begay, a non-binary shepherd and weaver dedicated to preserving their heritage through the traditional art of weaving. The film captures Nikyle's daily life, showcasing their efforts to maintain cultural practices in the face of modern challenges. Through intimate storytelling and visuals, this documentary highlights the importance of tradition, identity, and resilience.

Handwoven

A lyrical portrait of Nikyle Begay, a non-binary shepherd and weaver; working to preserve their way of life through the traditional art of weaving.

In Conversation with the Filmmakers from Empowerment Documentary Shorts

In Conversation with Alex Hedison of ALOK

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EMPOWERMENT - DOCUMENTARY Shorts 

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