Calling Nate

Being a teenager isn’t easy, especially when you’re an 18-year-old gender rebel sorting out a kaleidoscope of conflicting advice and desires. Nadia Hluszko – a.k.a. Nate – comes by her confusion and transgender identity honestly: one of her moms used to be her dad, the other is addicted to the Osbornes. First-time documentary director Pamela Gawn chases the irrepressible Nate as she cycles through her part-time job at a used bike shop, suffers girlfriend turmoil, argues with both moms, and reveals a tragedy that changed her family forever. A poignant, sometimes achingly sweet coming-of-age story. Selected screenings and awards: Best Canadian Short, Fairytales 8, Calgary, AB, 2006; Frameline San Francisco Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, 2005; Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, 2004; Award for Best Female Director, Inside Out Toronto Lesbian & Gay Film & Video Festival, 2004