Real Boy – Iris Prize Best Feature 2016

Winner of the Iris Prize Best Feature 2016. A powerful doc which follows Bennett, a 19-year-old musician, during his transition to become a man. Supported by: Unique Trans Gender Network

DIRECTOR:

Shaleece Haas

RELEASE YEAR:

2016

USA, 72 min

Bennett Wallace is a charismatic teenager on the brink of adulthood. As he navigates the ups and downs of gender transition and grapples with a history of substance abuse, Bennett embarks on a journey to find his voice—as a musician, a friend, a son, and a man.

Filmed over four years, Real Boy follows the evolution of Bennett’s relationship with his mother Suzy, who has deep misgivings about his transition. As Suzy struggles to come to terms with his decision, Bennett is taken under the wing of his idol Joe Stevens, a celebrated transgender musician fighting his own demons.

Through observational storytelling that is alternately painful and heartwarming, Real Boy explores the complexity of addiction, the healing power of music, and the importance of family, both given and chosen.