Virtually unseen for the past 20 years, this heartwarming documentary follows legendary Jewish butch lesbian folk singer Phranc as she embarks on a surprising new career: Tupperware salesperson.

Masc
Programmed by Jenni Olson and Caden Mark Gardner. This series was originally curated for the Criterion Channel.
Spotlighting the rich stories and courageous lives of trans men, butch lesbians, and gender-nonconforming heroes, this collection—curated by writer-archivist-filmmaker Jenni Olson and critic Caden Mark Gardner—journeys through nearly four decades of cinema history in search of authentic, complex representations of masculine identity as it exists outside the realm of cisgender men. From nuanced explorations of gender-nonconforming youth to powerfully moving documentary portraits to innovative narratives that deconstruct both gender and genre, these films celebrate the courageous queer visionaries who have blazed these trails and who continue to show the way forward and inspire us all.
Leadership support for
BAM Access Programs provided by
the Jerome L. Greene Foundation
Leadership support for
BAM Film provided by
the Ford Foundation and
The Thompson Family Foundation

Lifetime Guarantee: Phranc’s Adventures in Plastic
Fri, Nov 17, 2023

Legendary Jewish butch lesbian folk singer Phranc embarks on a new career selling Tupperware.

Vera
Sat, Nov 18, 2023
One of the earliest cinematic portrayals of a transmasculine character, this intense drama is based on the life of Brazilian poet Anderson Bigode Herzer.

A powerful Brazilian drama about trans poet Anderson Bigode Herzer.

Leslie, Max & Storme
Sat, Nov 18, 2023
Portraits of author/activist Leslie Feinberg, poet Max Wolf Valerio, and queer civil rights hero Stormé DeLarverie.

Portraits of a “gender outlaw,” a trans pioneer, and a legendary male impersonator.

No Ordinary Man
Sat, Nov 18, 2023
This poetic account of social upheaval and political corruption is a pillar of the Brazilian Cinema Novo movement.

A new consideration of trans jazz musician Billy Tipton’s life story and legacy.

Southern Comfort
Sat, Nov 18, 2023
This acclaimed documentary follows a trans man dying of ovarian cancer in the 90s, charting his struggles with systemic transphobia as well as his vital role in a life-affirming community.

A trans man dying of ovarian cancer faces systemic transphobia while affirming his community.

Maggots and Men
Sun, Nov 19, 2023
This spirited revisionist period film places trans masculine bodies at the radical heart of the 1921 Kronstadt Rebellion against the Bolshevik government.

This spirited revisionist film centers trans masculine bodies in a Soviet rebellion.

The Aggressives
Sun, Nov 19, 2023
This vibrant documentary follows an array of butches, studs, and masc folks of color from the New York City ballroom and nightlife scene in the late 90s and early 2000s.

A vibrant snapshot of the New York City ballroom scene in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Masc shorts program
Sun, Nov 19, 2023
This celebration of gender non-conforming heroes includes an uplifting children’s film, a star-studded drama, a quirky comedy, and a powerful batch of cinematic rarities.

This celebration of gender non-conforming heroes includes powerful cinematic rarities.

Chavela
Mon, Nov 20, 2023
A tremendous, joyful portrait of legendary Mexican lesbian singer Chavela Vargas, told through amazing archival material and interviews with friends, colleagues, and ex-lovers.

A tremendous, joyful portrait of legendary Mexican lesbian singer Chavela Vargas.

Shinjuku Boys
Tue, Nov 21, 2023
An amazing mid-1990s snapshot of AFAB gender identity in Japan, spotlighting three onabe who pass as men and work as hosts at a Tokyo club.

An amazing and candid mid-1990s snapshot of AFAB gender identity in Japan.