Born to Be

Born to Be is a highly acclaimed and deeply poignant documentary from 2019. This provocative film has charted a unique slice of marginalized community life, provoking both thought and emotion in audiences. Leading the narrative of the documentary are three primary personalities: Leiomy Maldonado, Jess Ting, and Cashmere, all of whom impart authenticity and gravity to the film.

The documentary opens up an insightful dialogue about transgender healthcare access, trailing the evolving nature of surgery and human condition. Set against the backdrop of Mount Sinai hospital in New York City, it throws light on the pressing issues of gender affirmation surgery and the deeper associated psychological undertones. Born to Be is not just about the physical transition; it underscores the courage, resilience, and profound determination needed by transgender individuals to live their true identities amidst societal prejudice.

Leiomy Maldonado, an exceptional voguing star, adds a layer of remarkable insight to the unfolding narrative. Known as the 'Wonder Woman of Vogue', Maldonado brings in an artistic perspective, grounding viewers with her narratives of ballroom culture and dance, touching on her own experiences as one of the most influential members of the transgender community.

Jess Ting, an accomplished and dedicated transgender surgeon at the helm of Mount Sinai’s Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, contributes a medical perspective. Ting's character is pivotal to the story, serving as the human face of medical expertise doing pioneering work in transgender healthcare. His candid conversations and interactions with his patients are the crux of the film, revealing the groundbreaking efforts to provide gender-affirmation treatments and surgeries in an empathetic, respectful manner.

Lastly, Cashmere, a pre-operative transgender patient, lends an intensely personal perspective to the film. Her journey, vivid with myriad emotions, provides viewers an intimate understanding of the struggles and triumphs involved in gender affirmation. The raw vulnerability she exudes allows viewers to truly empathize with her experiences.

Born to Be paints a vivid picture of the transgender experience, using unique stories to walk viewers through the crucial stages of gender affirmation. It shifts the dialogue surrounding transgender healthcare from the realm of cold, scientific curiosity to that of human compassion. It allows viewers to peak into the lives and struggles of the transgender community, highlighting the importance of acceptance and understanding in their journey towards identity.

The feature-length documentary, directed by Tania Cypriano and produced by Michelle Koo Hayashi, does more than just entertain - it serves as an incisive social commentary. With its straightforward storytelling style, Born to Be captures the attention of its viewers, engaging them within the realm of humankind's most fundamental pursuit - the search for identity. It reveals a transcendent spirit that is deeply tied to the personal and professional lives of its real-life characters.

As the film progresses, viewers are confronted with the harsh realities of limited healthcare access for those seeking gender affirmation procedures. By providing an intimate look into the world of transgender medicine and surgery, and the challenges that transgender persons face, this film becomes an education in empathy and understanding.

The cinematography by Jeffrey Johnson underscores the gravity of the narrative, with each frame thoughtfully shot to communicate empathy and respect. Born to Be does not throw spotlight on triumphs alone - it persistently limelight’s the individual’s spectral journey, the hardships, and the struggles, transforming a largely misunderstood societal aspect into a moving and touching narrative.

In summary, Born to Be is a forceful and deep insight into the human spirit and its resilience in the face of societal and systemic discrimination and pressure. Its take on gender affirmation surgery is educational, and the intimate interactions between the medical professionals, patients, other characters, give viewers a respectful look into the transgender community. It is a beacon of hope and resilience, underscoring the courage of individuals who dare to live their truth every single day.