This Is Not Me

Iran is the only country in the region to recognise trans people (any other LGBQ+ identity is banned). However, when Gholipour set about making the groundbreaking documentary, news travelled quickly. Before long, religious extremists had tracked him down and pressured him to censor his work.
Pressure from religious groups aside, the director also had to contend with Iran’s film censorship laws, which were widely condemned by Iranian filmmakers in 2020. The effects of this censorship aren’t obviously apparent in the documentary.

This Is Not Me follows the daily lives of two young trans men. Both Shervin and Samar offer a glimpse into what life is like for trans youth in Iran, who despite loving and supportive parents are forced to live covert lives, shy away from their neighbours and even consider emigration, in order to be who they truly are.

🏆 BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival 2022 – Noteworthy Award