Ary Zara

Ary Zara lives in limbo trying to understand who he really is. Refusing the gender binary categories that society imposes, at the age of 28 he decides to explore his identity by facing a physical and emotional transformation. A three-year journey revealing what is on the other side of the mirror through the courage, doubt and freedom of a deeply intimate process of self-discovery.

Larissa, a trans woman and Cláudio, a cis man, meet one night, in the streets of Lisbon. Two people, two realities, who dance their differences away till morning light. In challenge, in surprise, in awe and in recognition. An empowering story, free from violence and filled with light and hope for the better days yet to come.

A collection of three Portuguese short films by Ary Zara (Um Caroço de Avocado), Aurélie Oliveira Pernet (As Sacrificadas) and Pedro Cabeleira (By Flávio), which proposes different possibilities for being a woman nowadays.

"The Cowgirl, the Showgirl and the Pig" is a short film directed by Stella Carneiro and Ary Zara. It premiered in Directors' Fortnight of the 78th Cannes Film Festival as part of the La Factory des Cineastes program.