Khastegi

Man, Woman and TV

The Tan family trooped down to the Art House this afternoon to catch Khastegi, which is part of the Asia-Pacific Festival of 1st Films 2008. Set in Tehran, the film is a documentary about seven Iranian Transexuals and how they survive in the patriarchal and conservative Iranian Society. Khastegi really brought out the tension and loneliness that Tranxesuals face on a daily basis in a society which pretends that they do not exist. Even simple acts like taking the bus or finding a job becomes a torturous event. In Iran, sexuality is taboo. Although not every lady in Iran wears a chador, in fact most just make do with just a scarf losely worn over the head, there is a clear divide between male and female, as this photo clearly shows. Those that fall in between are treated as outcasts. Although the documentary was rather raw, there was a certain poetic calm about it perhaps brought about by the sense of acceptance juxtaposed with the amazing strength which these Transexuals showed for the right to affirm who they are. Even though the documentary is about tranxesuals, there is an underlying theme of searching for an identity, something that we can all relate to.

"I like the rain, especially walking in the rain. Its the only time I feel like a woman, when the rain washes away all my masculinity and I become who I really am"
~Sogand