Private Project

"I Identify as Me"

This is a short for the upcoming docuseries.

Logline: Through the intimate lens of eight Black & Brown Trans, gender-diverse people, and masculine-presenting women, the social concept of gender is challenged.

Synopsis: "I Identify as Me" is an award-winning, character-based, experimental short film that highlights Trans, gender-diverse people and masculine-presenting women who are Black and Brown. Each character’s intersectional experiences connect us with common themes of their gender expressions outside of social norms, self-exploration, and affirming their true selves. Characters shed light on the reality of violence that can be inflicted due to someone’s race, gender, and sexuality. Despite these systematic and social challenges, the characters reaffirm that acceptance and self-love are the paths forward.

  • Tina Colleen
    Director
  • Monick Monell
    Director
  • Tina Colleen
    Writer
  • Monick Monell
    Writer
  • Tina Colleen
    Producer
  • Monick Monell
    Producer
  • Charlie Trotman
    Key Cast
  • Chayse Attah
    Key Cast
  • Lydia X. Z. Brown
    Key Cast
  • Meek Jaffe
    Key Cast
  • Monick Monell
    Key Cast
  • Neha Ghosh
    Key Cast
  • Sasha Classe
    Key Cast
  • TJ Love
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 11, 2021
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Tina Colleen, Monick Monell

Tina Colleen (She/They) is an emerging director; her first short film, I IDENTIFY AS ME is an award-winning short and has garnered success in the United States, Canada, and the UK. It's been featured in 18 film festivals such as: Outfest Fusion, Wicked Queer, and InsideOut. Tina is currently developing I IDENTIFY AS ME into an episodic that will unpack the false notion believed for centuries-–that gender is fixed and binary.

Tina is the CEO/Founder of People of Color Productions, an independent production company that alchemizes art to transform the societal narrative. Tina’s background is in education, activism, and production. Tina has been producing in several different industries for 15 years. Tina’s art promotes love and healing for the global majority (aka BIPOC) by challenging social norms that have harmed everyone regardless of race, sexuality, or gender. The inspiration for Tina’s work has been the exploration of her own gender fluidity and ancestral journey.

Tina holds an MBA in International Business, specializing in management from Fordham University. Tina loves to travel, read science fiction, power-lift, and be outdoors.

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Monick Monell (She/Her) is a mixed-race leader and content creator for queer & trans [QT]BIPoC for the last four years. She works for the community as a New York City (NYC) correspondent for "The Unleashed Voice Magazine.” She commits to helping others find safe spaces and information about LGBTQIA+ shelters and medical places within the area.

Monick strives to spark change in how QTBIPoC are viewed, respected, and recognized by others within the queer & trans community. Monick’s skills include but are not limited to: community outreach, organizing, team leading, networking, negotiating, promoting, event planning, recruiting, and counseling.

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Director Statement

Tina: "My art demonstrates my purpose and commitment to seeing underrepresented people live their lives authentically and not conform to colonial norms. I aim to provide a platform to people who are often not heard, helping them to realize the power of their own voice for themselves and to give others like them, permission to do the same."

Monick: "I have always felt like I never saw myself in film. As someone who regularly consumes LGBTQIA+ movies and media, I rarely see intersectionality in front or behind the lens. In addition, I feel that QTBIPoC are still not depicted in authentic ways because QTBIPoC do not tell most LGBTQIA+ stories in media/entertainment."