Karla grows up in the small mountain town of Tepoztlán in Mexico. The documentary follows her over a period of eight years, from childhood into adolescence, from the first tentative questions to the moment she understands exactly who she is. Karla is trans, and the film shows how identity doesn’t suddenly »appear«, but evolves gradually – in conversations with friends, through the gazes of strangers, in clothing and make-up, playing sports with other girls. As Karla navigates her transformation, Kani Lapuerta weaves together documentary footage, Karla’s social media videos and enacted, fantastically exaggerated sequences into a light-hearted film in which protagonist and director reflect candidly on the experiences of trans adolescents growing up in a rural region. Their relationship to one another, embedded in the film narrative, turns Niñxs into a shared empowerment project. This coming-of-age film is colourful, playful, political and funny, portraying queer reality with intimate closeness. It emphasises the importance of trans people representing their own trans realities on screen and celebrates vitality and queer joy – made possible in Karla’s life not least through the support of friends and family – without losing sight of the challenges involved and the strength that it requires. A deeply empathetic portrait that inspires courage and champions self-determination, self-expression and community.

In cooperation with DOXS RUHR.

Awards for »Niñxs«
IDFA Forum Award for Best Pitch – 2022

Content note