The Trans Man Who Embedded with the Taliban: The Hot New Doc TRANSITION

Our guest today is Australian journalist/filmmaker Jordan Bryon, a trans man, who embeds with a Taliban unit, as they retake control of Afghanistan. Jordan shares the spotlight today with co-director Monica Villamizar, as they discuss the making of the intense documentary Transition. 

In the film, Jordan gains incredible access to a Taliban unit during the fall of Afghanistan. The countryʼs transition coincides with his own physical transformation as a trans man. While he and his local videographer, Teddy, embed with the Taliban. From rural Australia, Jordan conceals his physiology and is accepted as a man. However, if the Taliban were to find out, he and Teddy would likely be in grave danger, Jordan struggles with the moral and ethical dilemmas that come with his unique situation. The film follows Jordan’s journey, as he paradoxically gains more freedom as he transitions, while deftly chronicling the increasing oppression of women as the Taliban transitions to power.

Jordan is a recipient of two BAFTAs, two Emmys, and a Human Rights Press Award.  His feature film, Birds of the Borderlands. delved into the lives of queer Arabs in Jordan and Lebanon and resulted in his deportation from both nations. Thereafter, Jordan moved to Afghanistan for a six-year journey making films that showcase the country’s complex tapestry.

Monica Villamizar is a Colombian-American director, producer, and on-air reporter. She has won three Emmys and was nominated for the prestigious One World Media “Journalist of the Year 2015 Award.” 

With co-host Brody Levesque