Film Review: ‘I Am Sirat’ directed by Deepa Mehta and Sirat Taneja
Rating: ★★★★☆
“I Am Sirat” is a compelling Canadian documentary film directed by the duo of Deepa Mehta and Sirat Taneja. Premiering at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival, it earned its spot in the competition section of the London Film Festival and now screens as part of the 42nd Vancouver International Film Festival’s Showcase program.
The film delves into the life of Sirat Taneja, a transgender woman residing in New Delhi, India. Her story is one of profound complexity as she navigates the intricate web of her professional life, her presence as a social media personality, and the enduring familial responsibilities she holds as a son in her relationship with her widowed mother.
One striking aspect of the film is its innovative use of mobile phone cameras. It presents viewers with two distinct perspectives: the vertical shots captured by Sirat Taneja herself, shared on her Instagram page, representing her personal concept of self, and the horizontal shots taken by filmmaker Deepa Mehta, reflecting the external gaze of society upon her. The film skillfully weaves together these two visual narratives.
“I Am Sirat” opens with a captivating scene as Sirat, in a taxi, begins to change her attire. This act symbolizes her dual identity. In society and on social media, she is a transgender woman, but when she returns home, she must conform to the role of a son because her mother refuses to accept her as a daughter. Sirat’s struggle to balance these roles is a central theme throughout the film.
Through powerful storytelling, Sirat reveals that seven years ago, when she disclosed her gender identity to her family, they responded with violence, verbal abuse, and ultimately, expulsion from her home. Her family insisted she be a man, going so far as to have an uncle threaten her life.
The film also serves as a critique of Indian society, shedding light on the pressure Sirat faces to maintain a dual existence, lest she risk her very life. She cannot fully be herself in this society, or she may pay the ultimate price.
“I Am Sirat” is refreshingly sincere, capturing both the moments of joy and the poignant struggles of its subject. It is a poignant portrayal of a transgender woman’s journey to self-acceptance and her quest to find her place in a society that often seeks to suppress her identity.
One of the most memorable moments in the film is the birth of Sirat as a transgender woman. When she obtains her transgender identity card, her elation is palpable, and she proudly declares, “For many years, my identity was in my body and heart, now it is in my hand.” She firmly believes that she belongs in this world as Sirat, and she knows in her heart that she is meant to be herself.
In conclusion, “I Am Sirat” is a profound and impactful documentary that sheds light on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community and offers an influential perspective to its audience. It celebrates the courage and resilience of individuals like Sirat Taneja, who dare to be true to themselves despite societal pressures and prejudice. This film is a poignant testament to the power of identity, acceptance, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.
