By Sara Collas
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/15/23 – We have all regretted decisions we’ve made. The filmmaker, Tobias Elvhage explores some of the life consequences of the choices we make in his film, Gender Transformation: The Untold Realities”. Be prepared. It has an eerie and ominous soundtrack creating suspense.
How do we make decisions? Do we make impulsive ones based on social media, a family member’s advice, or a teacher’s suggestion? Some of the life choices we make can’t be easily taken back. The docudrama is a cautionary tale. Meeting some individuals in his docudrama who have de-transitioned demonstrate both gender fluidity and complexity.
THT asked the filmmaker his inspiration for the docudrama. He identified a three-part Swedish television series which focused on the adverse effects of puberty blockers on 12–14-year-olds. One of the effects of puberty blockers is bone loss in the individual according to some of experts interviewed for the film. The Swedish National Bureau of Welfare implemented new policies after the television series. According to Tobias’s film there is a huge industry associated with gender transformation including a medical establishment that’s making lots of money. Other issues explored in the film are the influences of the social media on one’s decision-making process.
Tobias has been collaborating with Epoch Times for four years. During this time, he has made a television series called Divine Messengers, and a food series. Epoch Times was described by Wikipedia as a far-right international multi-language newspaper and media company. Tobias described EPOCHTIMES as conservative. Tobias says the film strives towards greater understanding of the underlying issues that make someone want to transition.
We asked how he thought the trans community would respond to the work. He said the film is for everyone to gain greater understanding on a complex issue. This question was followed with: What can the public do to stop hate crimes against the LGBTQ community? Tobias identified hate crimes as a societal problem. He said it is about acceptance, listening, loving and caring for one another. Tobias reflecting on the question asked: How can we teach our children and ourselves to be more tolerant? A question worthy of a dissertation. The film, “Gender Transformations: The Untold Realities” premiers June 16 at the Manhattan Film Festival and the Epoch Times television streaming platform. Untold stories from de-transitioners, trans people, non-binary folks and everyone else under the rainbow need to be heard, and shared.
For more information about the documentary, visit
