Nella capitale L’Avana, Odette, Juani and Malú attendono con trepidazione il giorno dell’intervento che sarà eseguito dai migliori chirurghi europei nell’ambito di un programma fortemente voluto da Mariela Castro, figlia dell’ex presidente Raúl e direttrice del Centro Nazionale per l’Educazione Sessuale.
‘OMOFOBIA NO, SOCIALISMO SÌ!’ recita lo slogan ufficiale. Lo stato aiuta i transgender attraverso terapie, ormoni, interventi chirurgici e infine con una nuova identità. Cuba sta diventando un rifugio sicuro per le persone trans?

Ultimo appuntamento nell’ambito di The 1st Amnesty International Human Rights Film Festival a cura di Amnesty International gruppo Roma Centro, in collaborazione con Giuseppe Montagnese.
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In Havana, transsexuals Odette, Juani and Malú wait for genital surgery – performed by European top surgeons and organized by the president’s daughter, Mariela Castro. Castro is leading a sexual revolution combined with classic state socialism. New possibilities face old problems: will Cuban trans people find happiness despite intolerance, poverty and prostitution?

Each year in Cuba, five people are selected for gender-confirmation surgery, leaving many more waiting for their opportunity. Daniel Abma’s documentary Transit Havana follows three Cubans over a year of anticipation and challenges, some related to the surgery and some related to daily life. In a distinctive environment, themes of self-acceptance and fulfillment are universal.

Transit Havana also touches on Mariela Castro in her role as Director of the Cuban National Center for Sex Education. Castro’s drive to integrate trans people into all aspects of Cuban society is the political force behind the surgical program, as well as a manifestation of her vision of inclusive human rights. Interspersed with shots of Havana life, this film explores the complexities of culture and desire as the three subjects wait to hear if this is their year.