'Cloudburst,' 'TRANS' both strong films at Reel Pride fest
By Rick Bentley and Donald Munro - The Fresno Bee
Thursday, Sep. 20, 2012 | 02:13 PM
http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/09/20/3000013/cloudburst-trans-both-strong-films.html"The 23rd Fresno Reel Pride Film Festival" continues this weekend with more than 30 feature and short films being shown in three venues: the Tower Theatre, 815 E. Olive Ave.; the Starline Lounge, 831 E. Fern; and The Voice Shop, 1296 N. Wishon Ave.
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"TRANS: The Movie," 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Tower Theatre.
There is happiness and heartbreak in this compelling, well-crafted documentary from Chris Arnold about the challenges faced by individuals in the transgender community. There's also a big local angle, which is where much of the sadness comes in. Featured prominently in the film is the story of Chloe Anne Lacey, a 2009 Buchanan High School graduate who ended her life in 2010. (Yes, Clovis gets a few obligatory dings as a conservative rodeo town.)
Lacey lived most of her life as Justin Brian Lacey, and the account of her struggles and suicide -- which were documented in a front-page story in The Fresno Bee -- come to life in the film through interviews with her parents, family and friends. As director, Arnold conveys the tragic story with well-tempered compassion, giving us a straightforward account of the events but also unafraid to acknowledge and embrace the emotional trauma.
