I am Sheriff follows a young man as he travels the mountain kingdom of Lesotho showing his film in remote villages, schools and communities. Sheriff was born with a girl’s body, but, as the grandmother in his film recounts, he refused to wear dresses and always wanted to play with the boys.
“My name is Sheriff now”, he says, “if you want me to come home and visit my home village you have to learn call me by my name.” Through his film and personal narration, Sheriff talks to his audiences about gender identity and the frustration of being born the ‘wrong’ sex. His spectators react with surprise and curiosity, but also offer remarkable warmth, love and acceptance that ultimately encourage him to make his choice.
Best Short Documentary Film Award, 35th Festival international de Cinéma Vues d’Afrique de Montréal.
