"Crossing" is a 2024 drama film directed by Levan Akin, known for his previous work on "And Then We Danced." The film explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the search for belonging, set against the vibrant backdrop of Istanbul.
Plot Summary
The story follows Lia, a retired Georgian schoolteacher portrayed by Mzia Arabuli, who embarks on a journey to find her long-lost niece, Tekla. Accompanied by her young neighbor, Achi (Lucas Kankava), Lia's quest leads her to Istanbul. There, she encounters Evrim (Deniz Dumanlı), a lawyer dedicated to advocating for trans rights. As Lia delves deeper into the city's trans community, she confronts her own preconceptions and forms unexpected bonds.
Director's Vision
Levan Akin crafts a poignant narrative that delves into the complexities of family, identity, and societal acceptance. By setting the film in Istanbul, Akin highlights the city's rich cultural tapestry and the challenges faced by marginalized communities within it. His direction emphasizes authentic storytelling, drawing from personal and cultural experiences to create a resonant and heartfelt film.
Themes
Identity and Self-Discovery: Characters embark on personal journeys to understand and embrace their true selves.
Family and Acceptance: Exploration of familial bonds and the challenges of accepting loved ones' authentic identities.
Cultural Intersectionality: The blending and clashing of different cultural backgrounds within a bustling metropolis.
Advocacy and Rights: Highlighting the struggles and resilience of the trans community in the face of societal challenges.
Key Success Factors
Authentic Performances: The cast delivers genuine and heartfelt portrayals, bringing depth to their characters.
Rich Cinematography: The film captures the essence of Istanbul, enhancing the narrative with vibrant visuals.
Cultural Relevance: Addresses timely issues surrounding trans rights and societal acceptance.
Critical Acclaim: Recognized at various international film festivals for its storytelling and direction.
Summary Short
"Crossing" is a touching exploration of a woman's journey through Istanbul to find her niece, leading to unexpected connections and personal revelations within the city's trans community.
Awards and Nominations: 11 wins & 14 nominations
The film premiered at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, 2024, opening the Panorama section. It received the Jury Prize from the Teddy Award jury for LGBTQ-themed films. Additionally, "Crossing" was honored with the IFFI ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal at the 55th International Film Festival of India. At the 2025 Guldbagge Awards, it won Best Film and Best Director for Levan Akin, with nominations in categories such as Best Actress and Best Screenplay.
Critical Reception
Critics have praised "Crossing" for its intelligent storytelling and strong performances. The Guardian highlighted the "trio of excellent performances" that drive the film, noting its exploration of complex themes with sensitivity.
The Yale Herald commended the film's portrayal of Istanbul and its nuanced depiction of the trans community, describing it as a "gentle road movie" that captures the essence of personal transformation.
Box Office Performance
As of its release, "Crossing" has grossed approximately $553,529 worldwide. While it had a modest box office performance, the film's impact has been more pronounced in festival circuits and among critics, highlighting its cultural and artistic significance over commercial metrics.
Production
Filming concluded in Istanbul in early 2023, capturing the city's diverse locales to authentically represent the narrative's setting. The production involved collaboration among multiple international companies, reflecting the film's cross-cultural themes.
Production Companies
French Quarter Film
Adomeit Film
Easy Riders Film
Bir Film
1991 Productions
RMV Film
Sveriges Television
Swedish Film Institute
Eurimages
Nordisk Film & TV Fond
Distribution & Sales
"Crossing" was distributed by TriArt Film in Sweden and acquired by MUBI for distribution in North and Latin America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany. The film's release strategy focused on both theatrical showings and streaming platforms to reach a diverse audience.
Distribution and Sales Companies
TriArt Film (Sweden)
MUBI (International)
Totem Films
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27417166/
About movie: https://en.unifrance.org/movie/56146/crossing
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/passage-2024 (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/passage-2024 (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/passage-2024 (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/passage-2024 (Germany), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/passage (Spain),
Why to Recommend This Movie
Thought-Provoking Story: Explores identity, acceptance, and societal challenges with emotional depth.
Strong Performances: The cast delivers compelling and nuanced portrayals of their characters.
Cinematic Excellence: Beautifully shot and directed, capturing the essence of Istanbul.
LGBTQ+ Representation: Highlights trans rights and advocacy in an impactful way.
Why You Should Watch Movie
Engaging Narrative: A heartfelt and moving journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Cultural Exploration: Offers an authentic look at the intersection of different identities and backgrounds.
Award-Winning Direction: Recognized for its storytelling and performances.
Final Verdict
"Crossing" is an emotionally resonant film that skillfully navigates themes of identity and acceptance. With its strong performances, compelling storytelling, and rich cinematography, it stands out as a significant work in contemporary LGBTQ+ cinema.
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