Filmmaker and transfeminist activist Kani Lapuerta accompanied Karla, now 15, over a period of eight years as she grew up as a trans teenager in rural Tepoztlán (Mexico), supported by her family and her queer community. Together, they reflect on what it means to be trans and portray Karla’s experiences with confidence and humour. They all contribute to creating a likeable microcosm – including Oliver, Karla’s chosen brother, an anime fan and film lover. Oliver accompanies Karla on many of her adventures, and their friendship radiates a playful energy.
The film unfolds along two narrative strands. Firstly, it accompanies Karla in documentary form and presents her everyday life and her TikTok videos as expressions of her queer identity. Secondly, a voiceover runs through the film in which Karla articulates her thoughts, shifting between times and levels, and repeatedly renegotiates her memories.
Lapuerta had grown tired of being asked by cis filmmakers to appear in documentaries about the trans experience and so decided to take charge of the narrative herself. NIÑXS grew out of the friendship and creative collaboration between Kani and Karla and is an exciting example of queer filmmaking in its narration and form.

Rated 12+

In cooperation with Arcus Stiftung

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