Logline: A young man from Darjeeling, determined to become the woman she knows herself to be, fights against family rejection, social stigma, and the limits of her own circumstances to claim her identity.
Synopsis: Shanaya’s Path follows the intimate journey of Shanaya, a young person from Darjeeling who identifies as a woman and dreams of transitioning despite immense social and familial resistance. Since gender norms are rigid and visibility for trans people is scarce in her home town, Shanaya leaves for New Delhi, but her desire to become her true self is met with hostility, shame, and fear.
The documentary captures her daily struggles, private moments of reflection, and emotional conversations with her family, who struggle to accept her identity.
It is a deeply human portrait of resilience, courage, and self-discovery in the face of overwhelming odds.
Note: I can only show the trailer as the film is going through the festival circuit this year.
Progress so far: Best Documentary at Barcelona Planet FF, Winner at LA Film & Documentary Award FF, Official Selection at Toronto/Los Angeles Documentary Feature & Short FF, Nominee at Jaipur International FF, Winner at World FF Cannes, Winner at Los Angeles Movie and Music Video Awards, Official Selection at Queer Expression FF.
