Amma's Pride

With her mother’s support, a trans woman fights for legal and societal acceptance of her marriage in India.
by
Director: Shiva Krish
Producer: D'Lo
Year Released
2024
Film Length(s)
21 mins
Remote video URL

Introduction

Amma’s Pride is the poignant story of Srija, a trans woman from South India, who lives with her supportive mother, Valli. Despite objection from temple authorities, she marries her partner Arun, a cisgender man, and wins a landmark case as the first trans woman in Tamil Nadu to legally register a marriage. But challenges soon arise — amid rising societal pressures Srija finds strength in Valli’s unwavering love and support, who becomes her anchor in the face of adversity.

Featured review

"She isn’t an activist fighting inner prejudice, nor a character grappling with societal expectations. She’s simply a mother, her heart beating instinctively for her child. Isn’t that, after all, the truest antidote to systemic hate—the simple, unshakeable love of a parent?"
Sudhir Srinivasan
Film Critic, Cinema Express

Synopsis

Srija, a transgender woman and university student, lives in Thoothukudi, India with her brother and mother, Valli, both of whom are accepting of her gender identity. Srija falls in love with Arun, a cisgender man, and defiantly marries him amidst significant public attention. However, this shocks Arun’s family, who refuse to accept their union. Faced with the pain of familial rejection, yet aware of the many heartbreaks within the trans community, Arun stands firm in his commitment to Srija. Srija and Arun’s attempts to register their marriage are repeatedly denied, leading them to file a public interest litigation, fighting not only for their rights but also for the rights of the broader trans community. Their bravery pays off with a landmark victory in the Madras High Court, making Srija the first trans woman in Tamil Nadu, India, to have her marriage legally registered.

This legal win is a momentous milestone but results in a series of obstacles. Arun loses his job. Stressed, Arun begins relying heavily on alcohol, causing major strains to his marriage with Srija. Under familial pressure, Arun is forced to move back in with his family, with the intention of divorce. Srija is torn, wrestling with the dilemma of whether she can persevere through these trials to complete her education. Heartbroken and feeling hopeless, Srija attempts to end her life, but with Valli as a pillar of unwavering hope, Srija holds on. Valli clings to the dream that despite all odds, her daughter will find everlasting joy and fulfillment in her life. That is the journey of the film.

Reviews

Out On Film: ‘Amma’s Pride’ Measures the Power of Motherly Patience

"Krish’s film is not about legal battles or courtroom drama but about the emotional implications that come from being in the public eye and how that recognition weighs on a person’s psyche."
Joey Moser
Rotten Tomatoes approved critic, Co-Founder, The Contending
"What I love about the film is how it showcases the power in allyship and how advocacy takes on different forms for different people. Valli’s devotion and care for her daughter knows no bounds and that inevitably gives Srija the strength to fight."
Shivani Reddy
Film Reviewer, LetterBoxd
“The reason why this film is so important is that it captures the persistence of a mother’s love and pride for her child, which challenges the shame that results from transgressing societal expectations and roles. I hope we can support the distribution and viewing of films like these to continue changing the culture in India."
Ryan, S
Medium
11 FILMS YOU SHOULD NOT MISS AT BLACKSTAR FILM FESTIVAL

“In the short documentary Amma’s Pride, director Shiva Krish shares the journey of Valli as she watches her trans daughter, Srija, fall in love and fight to marry in a traditional small town in south India. The film follows Tamil Nadu’s first registered marriage between a trans woman and a cisgendered man, zooming in on Srija’s biggest supporter, Valli.”
Hira Qureshi
Service Reporter, City and Culture, The Philadelphia Inquirer
BlackStar Film Festival returns with more LGBTQ+ films

“The inspiring documentary “Amma’s Pride” depicts the love Valli has for her trans daughter, Srija, in Thoothukudi, South India. When Srija tries to wed Arun Kumar, they are denied, and the couple seeks to validate their marriage and trans rights. However, Arun’s mother opposes Srija, and a series of events strain the couple’s relationship. As years pass, Valli hopes for her daughter’s happiness, and “Amma’s Pride” hinges on love winning out.”
Gary M. Kramer
Film Reviewer, Philadelphia Gay News
“Love is love, no matter what gender one is of,” says Shiva, adding that he set out to document Srija and Arun’s story based on this view. But as he got to know the couple and their family, he discovered the source of their strength: Srija’s mother.”
Akila Kannadasan
Journalist, The Hindu

Awards and Screenings

Director Commentary

In a world where positive portrayals of transgender individuals are scarce, "AMMA’S PRIDE" would be among the few Indian films that invite the audience into the home of Srija, a trans woman, who's accepted in her family unconditionally, offering a rare glimpse into her daily life. Through the lives of Srija and her mother Valli, "Amma's Pride" sheds light on the significance of family support and the urgent need for broader societal acceptance of transgender individuals, both in India and the global South Asian diaspora. The story contributes to the growing body of work that emphasizes the unconditional love parents can offer their queer children within the AAPI communities and other minority groups across the US. We want the film to be seen and discussed widely by these communities.

Despite the setback of the Supreme Court's ruling against same-sex marriage in India, Srija's courageous and groundbreaking legal victory for the recognition of her love and marriage rights serves as a beacon of hope for transgender individuals seeking marriage equality in India. While familial support is essential, it's not enough to ensure the well-being of transgender individuals. Our outreach efforts particularly in India aim to foster empathy and understanding among key stakeholders, such as healthcare providers, government officials, law enforcement, and legal professionals, who often contribute to discrimination against transgender people.

Features and Languages

Film/Audio Languages

  • Tamil

Subtitle/Caption Languages

  • English

Promotional Material

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