TRANTASIA is a no-holds-barred behind-the-scenes look at the first-ever World s Most Beautiful Transsexual Pageant.' With a starring role in a sensational new Vegas Revue as a high-stakes backdrop, TRANTASIA explores the i... more »ntensely private and moving stories of its extraordinary contestants. Told through provocative hometown profiles and heartbreaking one-on-one interviews, the film documents the often humorous, always personal journeys of these true survivors. United by common histories of hardship and persecution, these women will finally realize their diva dreams. Their ultimate triumph is a moving celebration of the human spirit.« less
"I was fortunate to see "Trantasia" in a packed theatre as part of Los Angeles' long running OUTFEST. When the lights came up at the end of the screening I remember saying: "This is 'Paris Is Burning' for a new generation!" Besides the obvious connection between the two documentaries, I believe they both successfully accomplish a similar goal: to educate the viewer about a particular sub-culture with humor, humanity, and intelligence. Besides laughing along with the participants thru the process of a Beauty Pageant, there are some remarkable backstory segments as some of the girls travel back home to visit with their families...but the moment when one of the beauty queen contestants said some homophobic comments took my breath away in it's utter rawness (and contradiction to the open-mindedness of a Transgendered Beauty Pageant!) Our audience was abuzz for almost a minute after his/her remark.
This film is outstanding and highly recommended! And for those of you out there (and you know who you are) who love to quote awesome lines of movie dialogue...get ready to fill your mind with more quotables than "Mommie Dearest!'"
Trantasia...hmmmm
Veronica Garrett | 11/19/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really liked the film and its documentary style. The production values were very good. The ladies were, for the most part, amazing to look at. As a transwoman, I was a bit envious of some of them. The personal interviews are what really made the film worthwhile. I personally found the pageant part to be typical and in some cases reinforced the notion that transwomen are overdone Barbi dolls or drag queens, which simply isn't the case. The interviews mostly proved otherwise and provided a sensitive look into the aspirations and dreams of these ladies to live their lives as the women they were born to be. Kudos overall!"
TRANTASIA: True Beauty
Michael A. Lever | NYC | 10/18/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was very suprised and at times moved by this gem of a film. I thought it might be fluffy camp, but it has such a sweet heart to it. The girls are true beauties, both inside and out. Funny, touching and an interesting glimpse into a very unique subset of the LGBT community.
What bravery to tell such a personal story! Brava to the girls and thank you for a great film."
Hilarious & Heartwarming
Gracelyn Brown | Valley Village, CA United States | 11/28/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, it's inspiring. But Trantasia is surprising, cheeky and very, very funny.
Watch the girls hit the strip in Vegas and reduce grown men to excitement, bewilderment and just plain confusion.
It's a window into a very provocative and fascinating world. If you ever wondered why.....this movie has all the answers."
EXCELLENT FILM!!!
Zan P. | Los Angeles, CA | 10/25/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"We loved this documentary!! Every minute was entertaining and intriguing. It was crazy interesting to hear each unique backstory of the girls and very touching as well. We also found ourselves laughing a lot... there is no shortage of humorous diva-like drama to compliment the touching and interesting sides of the movie. I had very little knowledge of this world and still deeply enjoyed it and would recommend checking it out."