Regretters: Sex Change Revisited 2010
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by Kristina Åberg
Directed by Marcus Lindeen
DVD, color, 60 min.
College - Adult
Gender Studies, Gay and Lesbian Studies
Date Entered: 06/13/2011
Reviewed by Cindy Badilla-Melendez, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MNOrlando and Mikael were born male and underwent sex surgery to become females several years ago in Sweden. Now in their 60s, they would like to return to their original sex. Orlando became Isadora after his surgery and married a man for 11 years. He claims that his ex-husband never knew that he was born a male until the very end of their relationship. Mikael became Mikaela after his surgery and she never got married. Mikael shares the difficulties he faced as a woman including disrespect and discrimination by men. Both Orlando and Mikael, emotionally distressed, want to reverse their surgeries. Orlando completed his surgery and has become a man again. Mikael is still waiting. He is convinced that he would not have had a sex change if he would have had psychological therapy, which was not offered to him.
In an open and honest dialogue these two men share their stories and the difficulties they encountered to find themselves in their male bodies before surgery. There is no interviewer, nor narrator. There are no sociological, psychological, or professional commentaries. It is a life anecdote. If you are expecting professional comments, this is not your film. There are other films such as The Gender Puzzle (Films Media Group, 2005) which is more into the scientific and professional side on the subject or Boy I Am (Women Make Movies, 2006) that discusses more social aspects. Regretters is not in that field. It is a captivating and sad story of two individuals telling their stories and why they decide to reverse their decisions. They do mention the social issues faced at that time but only in relation to their own personal lives.
It is appropriate for college and university library collections that teach gender studies. The fact that the story is based in Sweden, gives the viewers a chance to see that even in more “open countries” trangenders are still a taboo.
Awards
- Guldbagge for Best Documentary at The Swedish Academy Awards, 2011
- The Best documentary production in Europe at Prix Europa, 2010
- Jury Prize at Hamburg International Queer Film Festival, 2010
- Best Documentary at Queer Lisboa, 2010
- Western Psychological Association Convention Festival, Film Festival Winner, 2011