Nata Femmena

In Naples the term femmenèlla or femminiello refers to a homosexual male with feminine expressions. A reality that hides very ancient historical origins and that, not by chance, developed in Naples, a city that has always been able to be a laboratory of tolerance and acceptance. In the younger generations, however, we are now witnessing the dual phenomenon of enculturation, whereby some of those who in the past would have called themselves "femminielli" today call themselves, if anything, "trans." Lack of ideological support within the community creates fertile ground for the emergence of misunderstandings within the family environment, and trans Neapolitans often see themselves marginalized within their own families. This reality is seen through Alessia Cinquegrana, born as Giovanni, 29, the first trans bride in Italy, and Alessandro, 25, an actor and drag queen, an activist in the Neapolitan LGBT world.

Directed by Elisabetta Rasicci, Pasquale Formicola, Nata Femmena leans on a strong ensemble — Alessia Cinquegrana, Alessandro Saggiomo, Enzo Moscato — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2018.