28th THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL
5 MARCH → 15 MARCH 2026
PROGRAMME SECTIONS: Portraits: Human Journeys

Norway 2004 73 35mm Color
When Monica was born, her parents believed she was a boy.They named her Morten. In April 2002 Monica, then 22, had her body surgically corrected to make it fit her real sex.Her mother believes the alternative would have been a grave.Most of us can relate to the search for true identity.Very few have to endure surgery to attain this goal. But to experience loss, fear, joy, sorrow and lust on this journey is something we all have in common.This is an exciting and tender experience about Monica who really knows what it takes to become oneself.Monica confided to a camera during the months before and after her operation, creating a unique video-diary. Her total honesty, sense of humour, and direct way of telling things as they are will break down myths and prejudices about people in her situation.