Genre
Synopsis
WHAT'S IN A NAME is a character-driven documentary that delves into the intertwined journeys of three trans women – Tania Cordova, Eisha Love, and Reyna Ortiz – as they challenge an Illinois law preventing name changes for individuals with felonies. The film follows their activism to strike down this discriminatory law through a lawsuit and advocacy for HB2542, a bill aiming to rectify the issue. At the heart of the narrative is the personal struggle faced by these women, who confront the dangers of using government IDs that expose their transgender identity, leading to discrimination in accessing essential services, housing, and employment. Despite the risk of exposure as trans individuals with felony backgrounds, they persist in fighting for the fundamental right to choose their legal names. It was an incredible victory to witness the joy and relief when HB2542 was passed on January 10, 2023.
Bio
Cary Cronenwett (Director) directs and produces films that foreground forgotten histories and marginalized stories with an emphasis on inclusivity and process. In 2018 he directed a short, Chicago Love, that was part of the web series, ACLU: Trans in America. This project has evolved into a feature-length documentary, What’s in a Name, that is currently in post-production. He holds an MFA from California Institute of the Arts and a BA from Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Originally from Oklahoma, he is currently based in Los Angeles.
Credits
Cinematographer - Margaret Byrne
Cinematographer - Shuling Yong
