Arts & Entertainment

Trans storytellers shine at Sundance: Highlights from the ‘Cheers, Queers’ panel

PARK CITY, Utah — The second annual “Cheers, Queers” panel at the Sundance Film Festival spotlighted leading trans filmmakers and advocates, showcasing their transformative contributions to cinema. Moderated by Alex Schmider, GLAAD’s senior director of entertainment and transgender inclusion, the panel celebrated storytelling, representation, and resilience.

Panelists included Zackary Drucker (Enigma), Aud Mason-Hyde (Jimpa), Moi Santos (Sundance Institute), Sav Rodgers (Transgender Film Center), Hope Giselle (BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions), and others. They shared their experiences and reflected on the power of trans narratives in driving societal change.

“Trans creators are leading a transformative moment in cinema,” Schmider said. “Representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about authenticity and complexity.”

Drucker, whose film Enigma premiered at Sundance, explored the paths of two trans women who navigated life differently after undergoing gender confirmation surgeries. “My film looks at what happens when you commit your life to the truth versus obscuring it,” Drucker explained. “It’s a dedication to the history of our incredibly resilient community.”

Aud Mason-Hyde, an actor and executive producer of the semi-autobiographical Jimpa, emphasized the importance of connection in their work. “We’re all striving to be seen and heard, and we’re really good at seeing each other,” they said. “It’s what makes the journey worth it.”

Hope Giselle, an activist and artist, brought urgency to the discussion. “I don’t have the luxury of being silenced about the ways Black trans women are being erased,” she said. “Wherever I go, I make sure to say the hard things and force people to have those conversations.”

Sav Rodgers, filmmaker, and founder of the Transgender Film Center, highlighted the importance of providing resources for trans creators. “Last year, we gave $100,000 in artist support, and this year, we’re on track for $170,000,” Rodgers shared. “The power of our representation is a cultural catalyst for acceptance.”

Moi Santos, manager of Equity, Impact, and Belonging at Sundance and the driving force behind Sundance’s Trans Possibilities Intensive shared a similar sentiment, “Freedom feels better than fear. Being a trans woman of color has been one of the biggest blessings from the creator, and I refuse to let any cis person make me feel otherwise.”

Actor and producer Sean Dasani reflected on his work in front of and behind the camera. “As a community, we’re intergenerational. We learn so much from those ahead of us and those coming up behind us,” he said. “My goal is to create work where we don’t have to explain our identity—we can just exist.”

Throughout the panel, speakers emphasized the role of community in overcoming challenges. “For every person who overlooks you, there are six or seven inspired by your bravery,” Giselle said. “Do it scared, do it underfunded, but do it.”

Rodgers called on audiences to support trans filmmakers. “Show up for these films, whether it’s one person in the audience or a thousand,” he said. “Your participation makes a difference.”

Santos reinforced the importance of collective action. “As trans people, we’re all we’ve got,” she said. “We need to uplift each other and demand more.”

As the panel concluded, Schmider summarized the event’s significance. “We’re here in defiance, in celebration, and in solidarity,” Schmider said. “The work of these artists and advocates is the blueprint for how we move forward. We always keep going.”

The “Cheers, Queers” panel exemplified the resilience and creativity of trans storytellers, offering inspiration and hope for a more inclusive cinematic landscape. “We are here,” Giselle declared. “And we’re not going anywhere.”

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