A work colleague recommended that I see this film as he had managed to see it before I had. I've been busy with pre-production so I've been really conscious about what I am watching these days, however I'm so glad I caught this at the cinema on a Friday evening.
Crossing tells a beautiful story of an aunt who travels to Istanbul after her sister dies, to find her niece who is trans. As someone who is both a queer niece and queer aunt, this film was so beautiful to watch, as we often live on the margins of our families before we live on the margins of society. I also love stories that are journeys from one place to another as they offer a rich array of landscapes and experiences. The film features several first time actors and follows an older woman, Lia. I have welcomed with open arms movies that follow the lives of older women, perhaps because I am older now and don't particularly care for movies about teens (well I only become conscious of it when I'm asked to tick boxes about which age category I belong to, and I find myself always being surprised) and I'm always looking to learn, although recognising also as a teacher, that we can learn from anyone. There's something special though about seeing an older woman reclaiming the frame, and something powerful.
Every single performance in this movie is moving and so full of emotion. Although I will not be travelling to Istanbul, it also got me really excited about my trip in autumn and filled me with such warmth. The film is a beautiful reminder that community exists, healing can happen when there is accountability, and we can find friendship and love in the strangest of places. Crossing is definitely a highlight of my cinematic journey this year.
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