documentary 87’ Colombia, Brazil 2024
In the arid landscapes of La Guajira, Colombia, Georgina, a transgender Wayúu woman in the third act of her life, knows that her time is running out and wants to change her existence. With nothing to lose, she sets out to meet her siblings, who don’t speak Spanish and barely survive on the fringes of the opaque Colombian bureaucratic system. Amid open wounds, memories, and unfathomable geographical and emotional distances, Georgina and her people agree that enough is enough. Soul of the Desert emerges as a story of resilience, a symbol of hope, and a fervent struggle for justice.
Cast & Crew
Director & Writer: Mónica Taboada-Tapia
Starring: Georgina Epiayu
Producers: Beto Rosero, Mónica Taboada-Tapia
Cinematographers: Rafael David Gonzalez, Tininiska Simpson
Music: O Grivo
Festivals & Awards
Venice FF – Queer Lion
Amsterdam IDF
DOC NYC IFF
Reviews
Georgina Epiayú, the trans Wayuu who fought for 45 years to be recognized as a woman
– El País
One of the most poignant explorations of queer identity in recent years
– International Cinephile Society
An exceptional and moving portrait about identity, defiance, and joy
– DOC NYC
Mónica Taboada-Tapia
Mónica Taboada-Tapia directed the short films Fidel, Two-Spirit, and Red Flag, all selected for film festivals like IDFA, Outfest, BFI Flare, New Filmmakers, FICCI, and Palm Springs, winning awards. She was nominated for the 2022 Macondo Awards from the Colombian Academy and the 2022 IDA Awards from the International Documentary Association. Soul of the Desert is her feature film debut, selected at Venice Film Festival.
