Mathias Broe's "Sauna" Breaks Barriers with Trans Lead at Sundance
Mathias Broe's debut feature, "Sauna," has made history by featuring the first trans person in a leading role in a Danish film.
"We chose Nina Rask, who is trans-masc and a renowned comedian and actor, because we needed an experienced performer to carry the film," Broe told Variety.
To ensure authenticity, Broe collaborated with non-professional queer actors and conducted extensive research within the community. "Creating queer stories can be challenging, but we aimed to depict a realistic narrative."
Magnus Juhl Andersen plays Johan, a receptionist at Copenhagen's only gay sauna, whose life becomes entangled with William, played by Rask, a transgender man.
"Sauna" explores the complexities of identity and conflict within the LGBTQ+ umbrella, showcasing the struggles faced by trans individuals in accessing safe spaces. The film also addresses generational differences in gender identity perception.
Based on Mads Ananda Lodahl's novel, "Sauna" has received positive feedback at test screenings, with audience members expressing the importance of seeing themselves represented on screen.
Broe hopes the film will build bridges and foster empathy towards marginalized communities, while also highlighting internal battles within the LGBTQ+ community.
"I want to depict the loneliness within the cis gay community and challenge traditional narratives," he said. "By combining different perspectives and injecting humor, we've created a film that resonates deeply."
Broe emphasizes the importance of depicting intimacy and sexuality in a sensitive and relatable manner. "We aimed to portray the awkwardness, vulnerability, and beauty of sexual encounters, as it's rarely depicted in film."
In "Sauna," sex is presented as "awkward and messy, yet beautiful and vulnerable." Broe believes that confronting such imagery can be overwhelming but necessary for fostering understanding and acceptance.