To raise funds for the upcoming documentary “Alexis” featuring trans* activist Alexis Martinez, Chopin Theater in collaboration with Contexture TV held a fundraiser at the Chopin Theater Oct. 21. The documentary, which Inkspil Films produced, will feature both Martinez’s personal life and her activism work.
Co-hosted by NIC Kay (teacher and artist) and Owen Daniel-McCarter (attorney and founder of the Transformative Justice Law Project in Chicago), the evening featured a short play “No Haven” by Wendell Etherly and directed by Daryl Brooks as well as trailers for the “Alexis” documentary and the short film “Market Value”, both produced by Lesley and Wendell Etherly. The Etherly’s are Martinez’s daughter and son-in-law.
The short play “No Haven” consisted of a conversation between two priests who held conflicting viewpoints concerning a young trans* parishioner Kevin who didn’t feel welcome at the church and later died by suicide.
Of the “Alexis” documentary, Etherly said it’s been a long time coming and now is the time to do it. Etherly noted that the main focus of the film will be Martinez’s current activism work. “It’s one big film about love,” said Etherly. “Hopefully the viewers will be encouraged and the film’s message will rub off on them whether they know someone who is transgender or just have an increased capacity to understand, accept and love trans* people.”
“Right now there is a coming of age in the trans* movement within the country … and I have this basic philosophy that people should tell their stories because it’s important for communities to build their histories,” said Martinez of her decision to go ahead with this documentary.
Originally, Martinez and Etherly planned to raise funds via GoFundMe, however, they explained that when they discovered that the site was raising funds for Ferguson, Missouri police officer Darren Wilson—who allegedly shot Michael Brown—they decided to move to the YouCaring crowd funding site. Etherly noted that the funds will go towards purchasing filmmaking equipment and paying for them to go on the road so Martinez can continue her activism as the film is being made.
Martinez noted that ten percent of all the funds raised for the documentary, including this fundraiser, will be going to Project Fierce Chicago.
The evening also featured a silent auction and raffle drawing.
See www.alexisdocfilm.com for more information or to donate to the film .