Who has met even one child who is not intelligent, sensitive, tender? As the years pass one wonders, when does all that intelligence evaporate and at what point does all that tenderness disappear and what remains is a Xeracian machine of violence, insult and subjugation?
At the center of the story “20,000 species of bees” is a child, the eight-year-old Aitor who, despite being born a boy, feels like a girl. This inner search sets the stage for a deeply emotional exploration of what it means to be true to yourself in the face of societal expectations and family pressures. The child’s mother offers understanding, support and encouragement as her child struggles with the seismic changes occurring in his fragile inner world. However, the mother’s support is in stark contrast to the reactions of others around them, who dismiss the child’s behavior as a mere childish whim.
The grandmother, the aunt and the environment, sometimes intentionally and sometimes out of habit, put pressure on the young child and the film captures the essence of the confusion that is caused and the bravery required to face it. The child, with his innocence and determination, begins a journey to redefine himself, to claim his identity in a world that is not yet ready to accept him. This journey is not only about self-awareness, but also the courage to reintroduce yourself to those who knew you under a different identity. The film poignantly depicts the challenges the child faces as he traverses barren landscapes in this delicate process, particularly in a close-knit village where everyone knows each other and names carry significant weight.
The film captures the atmosphere of summer, a time often associated with freedom and new beginnings, and uses it as a metaphor for a child’s journey. It also highlights that this era of liberation is full of challenges for the little heroine. Accepting their gender identity is not only a personal struggle, but one that is exacerbated by the reactions of those around them. In a time and place where bodies are exposed, such as during bathing or playing in the sun, the reality of the child’s condition becomes even more difficult to camouflage. The allegorical connection with the bees, which the grandmother takes care of, is obvious.
As the child explores his identity and gender, the women in his family are asked to reflect on their own experiences of femininity, their desires and frustrations. This second layer of quests adds another layer of exploration to the film as it delves into themes of gender and social roles. The introspection of women is a mirror to the child’s journey, highlighting the universal struggle to reconcile the true self with the roles and expectations imposed by society. Through their reflections, the film highlights the idea that the search for identity is not limited to childhood, but is a lifelong journey that every person must undertake.
This deeply human Spanish film “20,000 Species of Bees” moved audiences wherever it was screened, earning its young star Sofia Otero the acting prize at the 73rd Berlin Film Festival. 20,000 Species of Bees was nominated for 14 Goyas, and won the awards: Best Debut Director, Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Screenplay 2024. Last September, it received the City of Athens Director Award at the 29th Athens International Film Festival “Nights Premiere” “for the human and at the same time penetrating look at a sensitive and difficult subject, the true and measured performances of the entire cast, and finally for the masterful and unique rhythm of the story”.
Written and directed by Estibalith Uresola Solaguren, “20,000 species of bees” is a film that energetically delves into the complex field of gender identity through the eyes of an eight-year-old child, without pointless didacticism and useless melodrama.
The film’s portrayal of a child’s struggle with gender identity is sensitive and powerful, shedding light on the complexities of growing up with a sense of self that doesn’t align with societal expectations. “20,000 Species of Bees” isn’t just a story about a child finding himself—it’s also a story about the poignant effects of that journey on those around him.
Society, the great dictator, forces the individual to believe that his sexual orientation is his choice, but in reality it is nature’s choice. The individual’s choice lies only in whether he expresses his true nature or spends his life lying about it.
#Exploring #identity #femininity
