Tchindas

Tchindas is a 2015 Spanish documentary film, directed by Marc Serena and Pablo García Pérez de Lara. The captivating movie, sprawls across 94 minutes and is a heart-wrenching depiction of transgender life in Cape Verde, a small archipelago off the coast of West Africa. The main characters, Tchinda Andrade, Edinha Pitanga, and Elvis Tolentino, breathe life into the endearing portrait of the transgender community depicted in the film.

The eponymous star, Tchinda Andrade, is not only one of Cape Verde's most esteemed figures but also one of the first individuals to come out as transgender in 1998, where she is now well-known and greatly respected. The movie lends its name from a term that has come to be dispensed in the local vernacular to designate queer or transgender individuals, also a tribute to Andrade's influential status.

Tchindas takes you on a journey into Andrade's daily life, taking the camera lens through the mundane humdrum marked by glimpses of her resilient spirit. Her life, although marked by a share of prejudices and indifference, is also marked by her indulgence in the island's vibrant street life as she navigates trinket sales, impromptu music and dance performances, and flippant discussions about reality television. Edinha Pitanga, another transgender woman and close confidante of Andrade, also shares the limelight, presenting the nuances of their existence, cultivated attachments, and emotional community.

This documentary, at its backbone, is a narrative of resilience and celebration. The resilience of Andrade and Pitanga in their pursuit of dignity and respect, and the celebration leading up to the Sao Vincente Carnival. This annual event is a huge event for the islands; a burst of color, song, and dance, where the hustle trivializes life’s intricacies and complexities. It is here that locals, known as 'Tchindas,' come together to create eye-catching costumes and buoyant parade floats, mirroring the eclectic mix of Afro-Portuguese culture vibrantly. Andrade and Pitanga spearhead their community’s participation, infusing feverish anticipation and excitement into the proceedings.

The Sao Vincente Carnival is an echo to the energetic social and cultural scene in Cape Verde and acts as a tranquil stage for the transgender community to parade their identities without fear of discrimination. The onslaught of feathers, sequins, and raucous joy exemplifies unadulterated inclusivity, with Andrade and Pitanga as triumphant flag bearers, a testament to human spirit.

Filmmakers, Serena and Pérez de Lara, have done a commendable job intertwining the examination of transgender life in Cape Verde with the larger narrative of the Sao Vincente Carnival. Their profound respect for the community depicted and deep understanding of the collective Cape Verdean identity shines through their careful, authentic direction. They employ a fly-on-the-wall, observational approach to the film without overpowering dialogues, relying on the strength of simple narratives and raw imagery, making the viewer feel like a part of the community.

Throughout Tchindas, the indigenous music of the islands is a constant presence, with melodies often expressing amplified versions of the emotions and mood depicted on screen. There is a splendid blend of morna (a form of Cape Verdean popular music) and delightful visuals, further cementing the documentary's bonds with the local culture.

Essentially, Tchindas is a heartwarming exploration of the transgender community in Cape Verde that delivers a poignant message about acceptance, strength, and affirmation. It underlines the importance of community bonds, friendship, and cherishing the joy in one's identity into its richly woven tapestry of events. It's an ode to resilience, a testament to human spirit, and a vibrant snapshot of the lush Afro-Portuguese culture that is sure to inspire and educate audiences worldwide.