A Self-Made Man
Lori Petchers
A Self-Made Man examines the complexities of gender identity through an intimate portrait of trans youth advocate Tony Ferraiolo. Gender identity first appears in childhood and some kids feel that they were born in the wrong body. It can be a scary time for both them and their parents as they make the transition journey from one gender to the other. This is a film about Tony Ferraiolo, who helps them get there safely. A Self Made Man is told through his poignant personal story and important life work. We watch him guide kids as young as 8, and their parents, through the confusing journey of defining themselves, when their physical appearance conflicts with how they view themselves. Even as he struggles to come to terms with his own life as a transgender person, he offers safety and assurance to families immersed in an often frightening transition.
Lori Petchers
Lori Petchers is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose films have been screened at numerous festivals and venues such as Palm Springs International Shortfest, FRAMELINE and many others. Her documentary work includes Coming to Grips, Mezzanotte Obscura, Surviving and Life Model, which toured over 150 cities with LUNAFEST in 2012. Lori Petchers received an Artist Fellowship Grant in Film/Video from the State of Connecticut and a regional Emmy nomination for her work. Lori Petchers received her B.A. from Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, and her M.A. from Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts. In her film and video works she challenges social norms and stereotypes, both in traditional and non-traditional media.
Films by Lori Petchers
Spirit Figures 2012 | Life Model 2010 | Surviving 2010 | Mezzanotte Obscura 2009 | The Midlife Project 2009 | Soul 2008 | Coming to Grips 2008 | The Amistad Revolt: All we Want is Makes us Free 1994 | The Adventures of Hua-Hua and Moreley 1993
