Niñxs

Karla is dreamy, charismatic, and trans. She grows up with her parents in the small Mexican town of Tepoztlán. She loves putting on makeup and dressing up. But sometimes the world feels overwhelming to her. At those moments, she hides in her room for hours. Luckily, Karla has friends and a family who support her, often understand her, and also challenge her.

Over the course of eight years, trans filmmaker Kani Lapuerta follows Karla through her everyday life and her transition. The result is a colorful, playful, and political coming-of-age story told from a trans perspective. Together, Karla and Kani create a cinematic space where imagination is just as important as identity—and where the two merge.

The film title refers to a gender-neutral form of the Spanish word “niños,” which can include non-binary, trans, and gender-fluid children. “Niñxs” is a touching and empowering film about childhood, creativity, and self-determination—and a strong plea for a world in which everyone can simply be themselves.

Film discussion with
Jessica Purkhardt, Trans* counselor, AHF Trans*ID
Marianne Spohner, naxos.Kino