‘Crossing’ follows the literal and psychoanalytic journey of Lia (Mzia Arabuli), a retired teacher from Georgia, in search of Tekla, her long-lost trans niece. She embarks on this journey along with Achi (Lucas Kankava) leading to a deeply symbolic exploration of identity, reconciliation and introspection that unfolds in the cosmopolitan streets of Istanbul. Georgian descent director, Levan Akin, invites viewers  to ‘cross’ into the unknown streets of the ‘other’, to make peace with feelings of responsibility and forgiveness and, finally, to become  lost, as the characters do, each facing their own personal demons and traumas. 

Akin presents a unique Istanbul- a vibrant, community-driven city seen through the lives of those considered outcasts.  It highlights the experiences of the trans community in Istanbul, marked by contradictions, class distinctions, and oppression, but also by hope, vivid colours and community solidarity.

It’s what Foucault describes: “There is something attractive about criminals and delinquents, for they are the ones who stand on the frontier of power and knowledge. They put into play something of a different order, another way of living.” Levan Akin engrosses us in exactly that, depicting sides of the city that people normally overlook, populated by those who live on the margins—immigrants, homeless children, and sex workers. 

A breathtaking scene unfolds when Lia sneaks into a communal building for trans women and sex-workers in her search for her niece. Here, she confronts the ‘other’ for the first time and begins to realise that forgiveness and unconditional acceptance require more than simple moralistic promises. The language barrier dividing them fades away as a trans woman sings a beautiful folk song. Though the words are unfamiliar, the melody, pain, emotions, struggles and acceptance are universally understood. 

It is also the story of Evrim (Deniz Dumanl), a trans woman and lawyer advocating for trans rights, whose story intersects – or better, ‘crosses’ with that of Lia and Achi. Through Evrim’s eyes, we witness firsthand  what it is like to be a trans woman trying to survive in a strongly cis-patriarchal setting, balancing personal and social life, while at the end of the day, wanting the same rights, friends, career opportunities, respect and love as anyone else.

The strong performances of the characters reveal the multifaceted nature of human beings and align beautifully with the majestic cinematography and traditional music, which together highlight complex emotions across generations all united by a common theme: a second chance.   

‘Istanbul is a place people go when they want to disappear,’ says Lia, but ‘Crossing’ invites us instead to find, explore and embrace. It is a powerful journey through diverse characters who, like the stray cats all over Istanbul, seek affection while remaining unapologetically themselves—free.

Written by Antonis Lappas