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Karen Duthie
Canada 2004
84min English o.v.
“I never set out to change the world or anything. I just want to race a bike.” – Michelle Dumaresq 100% Woman opens with Michelle Dumaresq’s careening precipitously downhill as she begins her uphill battle to become the first openly transsexual athlete to represent Canada nationally in any sport. Born Michael, Michelle pursued her interest in mountain biking, competing successfully at national and international levels, six years after completing her sex reassignment surgery. Michelle’s remarkable achievements make others question if her endurance and power derive from sources other than intensive training. Exhibiting grace under pressure, Michelle never complains of the adversarial position she’s often compelled to adopt. Although Dr. Jerrilyn Prior, a pioneer in the field of sex reassignment therapy, explains how Dumaresq's hormonal changes radically reduce musculature, many remain unconvinced. Karen Duthie’s (herself a competitive racer) first documentary skilfully weaves home movies, interviews and media clips into a spirited exploration of biases and expectations around gender and sex roles. A touching portrait of a woman’s journey towards acceptance of herself both competitively and socially, 100% Woman suggests that in the nature versus nurture debates, biology is not always destiny.
Shown on:
sunday, november 06, 5H15 PM parisien 7 - pgm19 (100% Woman + Tomboy)