The Pearl

Set in the hyper-masculine culture of post-industrial logging towns, The Pearl follows four extraordinary transgender women who, having lived in the closet their whole lives, make the decision to transition in their middle and senior years. Beginning at the annual Esprit Conference where transgender women express their true identities, this powerful film follows the women over three years as they grapple with the varying stages of their transitions. Jodi, who can no longer hide her true identity, comes out to her biological brother only to discover a shocking secret they both share. Nina, a 67-year-old retired architect living full-time as male, has kept her secret from her wife of 35 years but now risks the loss of her entire family. And Amy, 72 and coping with loneliness after the death of her wife, opens her home to support other transgender women. (Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival)