Director Mattia De Luca on making her upcoming documentary ACE: As It’s Dealt
BY MATTIA DE LUCA, IMAGE BY LAUREN MAE
Being a trans+ person today is both a terribly frightening experience and yet a deeply empowering one. As a trans woman living in the UK, these past two months have been particularly challenging. Waking up on 16 April to see the news of the Supreme Court Ruling sent shockwaves through my core. I thought, “What does this mean for me?” Days later, I was verbally harassed by a man on the tube, who directly referenced the ruling. Though this wasn’t the first time, it was the most threatening. However, after this, I became more motivated, empowered and more sure of who I am than ever. I put this energy into my work and using my voice for change.
As trans+ people, we won’t let this stop us from being who we are. Especially now, when our voices are most needed. A trans life well-lived is the most powerful weapon against hate. It’s about showing the world our joy, the richness of our lives, the wealth of our talents and who we truly are. It’s that which gives me the hope and drive that I am putting into my upcoming feature documentary.
ACE: As It’s Dealt is a documentary about an amazing, talented, young singer-songwriter, actor, model and immigrant. She also happens to be a transgender woman. Her name is Ace and she is a girl with a pair of lashes, high heels and a dream.
In this film, Ace being trans isn’t the main story. That’s what makes it so vital. While we plan to explore what it’s like to navigate life as a trans woman and her transition story, we mainly want to show the world that trans+ people are just like our cisgender counterparts, living full, wonderful, complex lives and we are more than just hormones, surgeries and politics.
As a trans woman in film, I can’t think of many, if any, other films telling a trans story in this way – from the human angle, just living life. I believe this makes the film much more unique and makes it that much more important. Ultimately, our aim is to destigmatise the trans+ experience and tell an authentic story of Ace going from ordinary girl to star. My team is made up of women and genderqueer people, so we understand the story firsthand. Ace’s journey has already started for her and we don’t want to miss any of it.
However, we can’t do any of this alone, we need help and support wherever we can get it. So, how can you help? That’s the million dollar question. We are fundraising £20,000 to allow us to start to tell Ace’s story, and that’s where you, dear reader, come in! We need you to help us turn the tide of the global view of trans+ people. This film has the power to change things, and it has the potential to save lives.
Go to indiegogo.com to find out more.
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