Written and directed by Rahemur Rahman and Lily Vetch, filmed over the course of seven years, this documentary shows the resilience and sisterhood of three Hijra women: Neshi, Jannat and Momo.
It’s important to be able to see Trans people across different cultures and continents, to portray their presence across the world, so it’s good to see Body of Our Own exploring life for Trans women in South Asia. Rahemur Rahman and Lily Vetch also chose great subjects in Neshi, Jannat and Momo, they have strong personalities, they’ve got strong wills and they don’t shy away from the spotlight. They’re a great basis for a documentary, but this one doesn’t quite do them justice.
Trying to fit seven years of three different subjects into only twenty-five minutes was a bit too much to ask. At least it was in this case as the style, and particularly the editing work, is rushed and chaotic. It’s forever skipping to the next moment without giving viewers a genuine chance to get to know these women individually. It’s so constantly moving that it never settles in and then the credits roll.
There clearly was material to work with, but it’s used in such a scattered fashion that its impact is vastly hindered. You still get to see the prejudiced environments that these women live in, and the judgement that they have to face from larger society as well as their own families. As well as how they proudly and confidently face those issues. Yet, without the focus to really dig into that, and let the emotions and meaning behind them come to the surface, it’s simply a collection of brief moments thrown together.
Body of Our Own has a great concept and chose excellent subjects but couldn’t bring the footage together in an effective manner. The foundation is undoubtedly there, these women are vibrant and it’s lovely to see their confidence and the sheer fight that they have within them to live their true lives. The elements were there, but the way that they’re put together is flawed, it’s rushed and doesn’t connect its scenes together to build upon one another. It needed to settle and quiet its focus to reach its potential and make a bigger impact.
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