This Is Not Me is a documentary about the lives of Shervin and Saman, two transgender youth coming of age in Iran. Iran is the only country in that West Asian region to recognize trans people — any other LGBQ+ identity is banned. Yet Shervin and Saman still face severe social constraints and — despite having loving and supportive parents — are forced to live covert lives, shy away from their neighbors, and even consider emigration in order to live openly as they truly are. As they pursue gender realignment options available in Iran, This Is Not Me offers a detailed depiction of the legal and social labyrinth that promises a slim aperture for freedom.

Join us for a screening of This Is Not Me, presented as part of the Festival of Films From Iran. The screening will be followed by a discussion, via Zoom, with producer and director Saeed Gholipour and documentary subjects Shervin and Saman, moderated by Ian L. Haddock and Joelle Espeut of the Normal Anomaly Initiative.