Framing Agnes

In the 1950s, the UCLA Gender Clinic interviewed several transgender people for an internal study. These recordings remained under lock and key for decades. More than 60 years later, filmmaker Chase Joynt discovered the project and decided to reinterpret the pieces with contemporary trans+ artists.

Filmmaker Chase Joynt presents a compelling reflection on the conception of trans identity in American society in Framing Agnes, a documentary that reinterprets archival footage with renowned up-and-coming trans artists such as Zackary Drucker (Transparent), Angelica Ross (Pose), and Jen Richards (Disclosure).

From the psychiatric clinic to TV sets, Framing Agnes traces the journey that American society has taken when it comes to trans identities over the years, taking as an example 12 people from the group. Six of them challenged the status quo of the 1950s to live their truth, and the other six are performers who fight every day for fair opportunities in today’s cultural landscape.

Moving, tender, and simple, Sundance-winner Framing Agnes highlights the American history of a community that demands more visibility; and gives us all the chance to experience a pre-Stonewall past in the struggle for trans identity liberation.

Credits

Title: Framing Agnes
Year: 2022
Runtime: 75′
Country: Canadà, Estats Units
Direction: Chase Joynt
Screenplay: Chase Joynt, Morgan M. Page
Cast: Carmen Carrera, Katie Couric, Laverne Cox
Cinematography: Aubree Bernier-Clarke
Genre: Documentary
Contact: The Film Collaborative

Wins and nominations

2022: Sundance Film Festival – Audience Award and Innovation (Next)
2022: LesGaiCineMad