South African Film Festival

I am Sheriff + Q&A

Expired May 30, 2024 1:30 PM
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I am Sheriff follows a young man as he travels the mountain kingdom of Lesotho showing his film in remote villages, schools and communities. Sheriff was born with a girl’s body, but, as the grandmother in his film recounts, he refused to wear dresses and always wanted to play with the boys.


“My name is Sheriff now”, he says, “if you want me to come home and visit my home village you have to learn call me by my name.” Through his film and personal narration, Sheriff talks to his audiences about gender identity and the frustration of being born the ‘wrong’ sex. His spectators react with surprise and curiosity, but also offer remarkable warmth, love and acceptance that ultimately encourage him to make his choice.

  • Year
    2017
  • Runtime
    28 minutes
  • Language
    English, Sesotho
  • Country
    South Africa
  • Genre
    Documentary
  • Subtitle Language
    English
  • Awards
    Best Short Documentary Film Award, 35th Festival international de Cinéma Vues d’Afrique de Montréal.
  • Director
    Teboho Edkins
  • Producer
    Don Edkins
  • Cast
    Sheriff Sheriff, Sheriff Mothopeng
  • Editor
    Florence Jaquet
  • Sound Design
    Refiloe Motsamai: Senate Pitso