After years of championing intersex rights on the global stage, activist Pidgeon Pagonis embarks on a transformative journey of healing, while grappling with burnout, trauma, and the emotional toll of their relentless fight for bodily autonomy and social change.
ntersex activist Pidgeon Pagonis has spent their adult life fighting against non-consensual surgeries on intersex children, becoming a celebrated leader in the movement for bodily autonomy. But as the toll of relentless advocacy mounts, Pidgeon confronts the burnout and trauma that come from reliving their painful past as they educate others about the injustices of these surgeries. Seeking solace and clarity, they embark on a journey inward, guided by medical and alternative therapies, mentors, and elder activists. As Pidgeon navigates groundbreaking treatments, builds connections with kindred spirits, and explores new avenues of self-expression, they must reconcile their call to activism with their need for healing. INTERSEX JUSTICE illuminates the complex intersections of justice, resilience, and self-reckoning, offering a powerful narrative of hope and transformation amidst a backdrop of continued struggle for bodily autonomy for all.
Aubree Bernier-Clarke (they/them) makes films exploring themes of gender, queerness, and social justice. Their documentary “A Normal Girl” (2019) about intersex activist Pidgeon Pagonis premiered at BFI Flare - London, won the United Nations’ Film Festival Grand Jury Prize, and Best Director for Documentary Short at Long Beach Queer Film Festival. In 2022, Aubree was awarded a Documentary Development Fellowship by ITVS and NEH to develop “Intersex Justice.” Their web series “The Library” (2020-2022), which explores the nuances of LGBTQIA+ life and culture, streams on Revry.tv. As a Fellow in AFI's DWW+ directing workshop, Aubree developed their narrative short “The Night Is Ours,” starring Bex Taylor-Klaus, which screened at Outfest, Frameline and the New Orleans Film Festival, among others. This year, their narrative short “Unmasking,” about two friends confronting the ways they mask as autistic and non-binary, premiered at the American Pavilion at Cannes. As a Cinematographer, Aubree lensed “Framing Agnes” (dir. Chase Joynt) which premiered at Sundance 2022, winning both NEXT Innovator and NEXT Audience awards. Prior, they created behind-the-scenes featurettes for “Booksmart”, “Transparent,” and other films and series. Aubree has served as an Advisor for Sundance Collab in the Directing Visual Storytelling class.
Subject - Pidgeon Pagonis
