Tekla is the trans niece of Lia, a retired teacher, who has not been heard from, since going to Istanbul, for some time. Determined to find her, Lia is persuaded by Achi, her niece’s neighbour and friend who says he knows details of her whereabouts and wants to embark on the search, to leave Georgia together. When they arrive in the city, which turns out to be full of possibilities, they realise that finding someone who doesn’t want to be found can be more complicated than they expected.
Lia is determined to find her long lost trans niece Tekla, who had left her Georgia homeland years ago after being rejected by her family. Unexpected friends, Lia and the young Achi go to Istanbul in search of Tekla. They meet Evrim, a lawyer fighting for trans rights, and Tekla starts to feel closer than ever…
Akin, whose films explore class, gender and sexuality, knew exactly how he wanted to tell this story: “I want to show positive stories without being naive.” And he did it with great mastery, between shots of irresistible humor and tears that one can’t held, in a film that, without forgetting the context of enormous violence that so many Teklas are forced to flee, celebrates trans life through Evrim. Her activism ties the community and her romantic relationships free her, allowing us in the queer corners of Instanbul.
Crossing is a sorority place where differences are overcomed and strangers join forces, and the communities and friendships are the strong foundations and repair of so many families tremendous’ failures. (Alexandra Ferraz)
