Unlike homosexuality, which is forbidden, the Koran doesn’t mention transsexuality. Gender reassignment surgery is not only legal in Iran, was sanctioned by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1976. Transsexuals don’t have to fear prosecution and can have their birth certificates changed. Perhaps the greatest challenge they face, aside from the physical, mental, and emotional toll, is dealing with the deeply religious Iranian society in which transsexuality is widely misunderstood and the actions of female children bring either pride or shame upon their entire families.

Mahtab, a young transfemale, is part of a traditional, conservative Iranian family. Her parents struggle to come to terms with their son’s decision and after a lot of discussion they learn to accept her new sexual identity. We meet her family, her boyfriend, other trans individuals, doctors, and a priest. Thoughtful questions are raised, such as “why would a ‘free’ man choose to lead the repressed, veiled life of a woman in this male-dominant society?” The Birthday offers an intimate glimpse inside a world that non-Iranians rarely see.

Also screening:  Shahram and Abbas (Remy van Heugten, The Netherlands, 2006), a drama about two Iranian men who pretend to be gay in order to obtain asylum in The Netherlands.

ADMISSION:  $10 non-member / $8 members