Film project about Bangladesh transgender life seeks funding

EVERGREEN: A film and project by Aude Leroux-Lévesque and Sébastien Rist.

THE FILM

Evergreen is a documentary film about love and loss. Set in the crowded back alleys of Dhaka, Bangladesh, the film follows Salma and her friends as they enter the mysterious and secretive world of trans-sexuality.  Salma left her village as a boy; she enters the effervescent city life as a 12-year-old girl in search of identity, love and above all, a sense of acceptance. Emotionally torn between her past and present life, Salma is faced with challenging experiences that will force her as well as the audience, to question any preconceived notions of gender, sexuality, family and love. Storyline and title are subjects to change.

EVERGREEN - THE PROJECT

The transgendered of Bangladesh are called “Hijras”. They are either born male
or born hermaphrodites, but have the desire to live, dress and act as women. In
Dhaka, there are two Hijra community centers that support approximately 20% of the city’s total Hijra population.  Donations from abroad cover a small number of services but they unfortunately still remain very minimal.

Although Bangladeshi Hijras earned the right to vote for the first time in December 
2008, many of their fundamental human rights are still ignored. Discrimination continues partly as a consequence of the population’s lack of awareness and knowledge. It is therefore difficult for them to get access to proper housing, a basic education or even walk about publicly without being harassed or discriminated against. In Bangladesh, their right to dignity, freedom of expression and access to
proper health care is not easily granted.

Our project aims to provide Hijras with an education that they would not otherwise receive. They are taught English as well as basic knowledge related to global issues that affect trans-sexuality. This in consequence stimulates the Hijra community’s confidence and solidarity, further encouraging them to fight for their rights and recognition.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

By financially supporting this film you help us pursue our educational program as well as the production of a documentary that will be at the height of their expectations and proudly bring to light the richness of their culture. Production is scheduled for the fall of 2009.

The money collected will cover directly the documentary’s production costs and all profits from the film will be allocated to the Hijra educational program and the Hijra centers.

Our long-term goal is to broaden their spectrum of education by offering computer lessons with access to Internet. As you can see, your contribution can truly make a difference in the lives of the Hijras.

If you are interested in providing support for this project, here is the contact information:
evergreenproject.info@gmail.com

Canada: 1.514.812.7499
Bangladesh: +880.174.1268377

BIS Films              
3460 Simpson #902
Montreal, Quebec
CANADA H3G 2J4

For each donation, you will receive a DVD copy of the film, an official receipt, a regular follow up via email of our activities and developments and a mention in the credits according to the amount:

1$ à 99$ - a mention in ‘special thanks’

100$ à 999$ - a mention in ‘the film was made possible by the generous donations’

1,000$ - 4,999$ - credited as ‘executive producer’

5,000$ and more - credited as ‘executive producer’ in both the opening and closing credits