New film about transgendered people in China creates stir

The screening of a film shot by middle school students in Beijing about the lives of transgendered people is stirring up significant debate, reports the Beijing Youth Daily. 

The 75 minute film has been produced by 37 seniors from a high school affiliated to Renmin University.

"Taoli," or "Fleeing Away," depicts a boy's life in high school and his struggle to cope with his gender status.

A poster of the film "Taoli," or "Fleeing Away". [File photo: thepaper.cn]

The students who shot the film on the school campus said they hoped the film would shine more light on some of the struggles within the LGBT community.

Though only screened once at the school, the film has led to heated discussions among students, parents and teachers.

A number of parents have objected to the film, saying transgender issues are not a topic which children should be discussing at school.

However, many students at the school are viewing the film as a positive, saying it's helped shine a spotlight on the struggles that young students go through as they make the transition into adulthood.

The film was produced by 37 seniors from a high school affiliated to Renmin University. [File photo: thepaper.cn]

Educators are also rallying behind the film, suggesting sex education is something Chinese society shouldn't shy away from.

"Conventional education tends to overlook aspects related to sexuality, which has led to many problems among young students. We should not avoid talking about these problems, but rather try to provide young people with the tools they need to better understand themselves, even though sex education remains a taboo subject in China," said Dai Chong with Beijing National Day School, a well-known high school in Beijing.