Leitis in Waiting
Leitis in Waiting

Movie spotlight

Leitis in Waiting

2018
Movie
72 min
English

The story of Joey Mataele and the Tonga Leitis, an intrepid group of transgender women fighting a rising tide of religious fundamentalism and intolerance in the South Pacific Kingdom.

Insights

Director: Allison Avramides, Jessica Kingdon, Kira PhillipsGenres: Documentary, LGBTQ+

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana, focusing on the experiences of "leitis," a term used to describe transgender women. It highlights their struggles with social stigma, legal challenges, and the fight for acceptance in a conservative society. The film offers an intimate look at their resilience, community building, and pursuit of identity.

Critical Reception

Leitis in Waiting has been praised for its sensitive and important portrayal of a marginalized community. Critics lauded its ability to humanize its subjects and shed light on crucial social issues within Ghana.

What Reviewers Say

  • An essential and timely documentary shedding light on the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana.

  • Praised for its intimate and empathetic approach to sensitive subject matter.

  • Highlights the resilience and ongoing fight for rights and acceptance.

Google audience: Audience reviews often commend the film for its bravery in tackling difficult topics and for giving a voice to a community often silenced. Viewers found the stories deeply moving and educational, fostering greater understanding and empathy.

Awards & Accolades

Best Documentary Feature at the Pan African Film Festival, Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival, Jury Award for Best Feature Documentary at the Frameline Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The filmmakers faced significant challenges in securing funding and access to film in Ghana due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review