As part of Wales in Canada, we were thrilled to premiere the film ‘Donna’ on a global stage at one of the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration at Ottawa’s Capital Pride.
Donna is a film that follows trans activist Donna Personna on her journey to live authentically as herself and to reconnect with her family. The film shows the strength that can be drawn from your community and proves that it’s never too late to find your voice and truly blossom.
In the film, we also learn more about the 1966 Compton’s Cafeteria Riot which was provoked by violent and constant police harassment of drag queens and trans people. The Riot preceded the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City and marked the beginning of transgender activism. Donna is offered an opportunity to co-write a play about this overlooked episode, especially as the 50th anniversary of the riots approaches and the call for activism and visibility mount.
We showcased the film on August 23 in partnership with the US Embassy in Canada at Ottawa Art Gallery during Capital Pride Week. Following the screening, we heard directly from Donna Personna, Jay Bedwani and producer Dewi Gregory who shared their personal experiences of creating this documentary.
It was great to introduce a made in Wales film to a Canadian audience and celebrating not only Wales’ creative sector but our LGTBQ+ communities and reaffirming Welsh Government’s commitment and determination to advancing LGBTQ+ equality in Wales and beyond.
Credits:
Writer, Director: Jay Bedwani
Producer: Dewi Gregory
Co-Producer: Jean-Laurent Csinidis
Featuring: Donna Personna
Production Company: Truth Department
Produced by Truth Department with Films de Force Majeure, MisFits Entertainment, BFI Network and Ffilm Cymru Wales.