Private Project

Fearlessli

After her gender identity was denied in her homeland, Lee Li, a transgender asylum seeker, embarks on a journey toward belonging, freedom, and self-empowerment.

  • Lee Li
    Director
    Space, Living Out Loud: Reflection of Trans Visibility
  • Lee Li
    Writer
    Space, Living Out Loud: Reflection of Trans Visibility
  • Tyler Redmond
    Producer
    Dive
  • Lee Li
    Producer
    Living Out Loud: Reflection of Trans Visibility
  • Lee Li
    Key Cast
    "Lee Li"
    Space
  • Nikki Lee Carlson
    Key Cast
    "Nikki Lee Carlson"
  • Gemma Elbourne-O’Rourke
    Key Cast
    "Gemma Elbourne-O’Rourke"
  • Luka wolfgram
    Key Cast
    "Luka Wolfgram"
  • Serena Mani
    Key Cast
    " Serena Mani"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    LGBTQIA+, Human Rights, Political
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 19 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 15, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 NZD
  • Country of Origin:
    New Zealand
  • Country of Filming:
    New Zealand
  • Language:
    English, Mandarin Chinese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Sony Fx6
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Show Me Shorts
    Auckland
    New Zealand
    October 11, 2025
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Lee Li

Lee Li is an award-winning filmmaker based in Aotearoa New Zealand. Drawing from her unique experience as a Chinese diaspora and transgender asylum seeker, Li makes films that amplify the voice of the voiceless. “For many of my subjects and characters, their voice is not one of the millions but the voice of millions.” Li is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Screen Production at the University of Auckland.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Language is a barrier. But because I can speak English, I can speak up and tell the public the truth about our struggles and our silenced voices. Simply, my past cannot become your future. Even telling this story today may bring retaliation from the CCP against me and my family, but if I don’t tell it today, the truth will never come forward.
So, today, you see my story. Tomorrow, others will see it, and they will find hope, resilience, and strength within it.
As a transgender asylum seeker, it was the tangata whenua — the people of Aotearoa — who embraced me so that I could be Lee Li authentically and 'fearlessli': without fear of being persecuted simply because of my gender identity and difference.
Aotearoa has long been seen as a haven for rainbow refugees. In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to give women the right to vote. Over a century later, in 1999, it elected the world’s first transgender MP, Georgina Beyer. In 2025, the New Zealand Law Commission recommended adding Gender Identity as a prohibited ground against discrimination in the Human Rights Act. Aotearoa has always pushed the boundaries of progress — and now, we look forward to where it can lead us next.
I also draw inspiration from Te Tiriti. It is Te Tiriti that allows me, as a refugee, to come to Aotearoa and find protection so I can be here today to share my story. As a proud Chinese and tauiwi, I believe we must uphold and honour Te Tiriti.
Even to this day, I still don’t have a passport that represents me, and I cannot travel overseas. My hope is that FEARLESSLI can travel further than I can, carrying this story to audiences worldwide, to be seen, heard, and felt.
FEARLESSLI has the political and legal potential to impact global society. It is my testimony to the consequences of failing to recognise someone’s gender identity. In a world of rising global displacement and increasing anti-trans sentiment, we must continue to stand in solidarity and hold firmly to the rights we have, safeguarding progress not only in Aotearoa but beyond. There is still a long way to go to achieve true gender equality
My wish is that all audiences — and all Kiwis — who watch this film feel proud, connected, and inspired to live fearlessli: not only to be who they are, but also to stand up for what is right.
— Lee Li