New Marsha P Johnson biopic praised as ‘real Stonewall story’ (VIDEO)
A new trailer for the film has been compared to Roland Emmerich’s recent version of the riots.
A trailer has been released for a new biopic focusing on trans activist Marsha P Johnson.
Starring trans actress and Oscar hopeful Mya Taylor in the lead role, the short film charts the lead up to the Stonewall rising and has been praised for its depiction of trans women of colour, leading many to compare it to recent flop Stonewall.
The Roland Emmerich film is based on the 1969 Stonewall riots, which are often considered the birthplace of the gay rights movement.
Prior to release, the film came under fire amid claims of whitewashing and trans-erasure, afterthe first trailer suggested it would be centred on a white middle-class gay hero.
Though Emmerich and the film’s star Jeremy Irvine both defended it, it has been panned by critics and audiences alike.
Even a last-minute controversy couldn’t save the film, with director Roland Emmerich claiming he based his film around a “straight-acting” gay man so the film didn’t put off straight audiences.
He claimed: “You have to understand one thing: I didn’t make this movie only for gay people, I made it also for straight people.”
Happy Birthday Marsha has also been praised for starring people who were actually participated in the historic events.
The short film is directed and produced by Reina Gossett and Sasha Wortzel.
Taylor was recently tipped for an Oscar following critical acclaim for her role in trans drama Tangerine.
Tangerine’s distributors, Magnolia Pictures, has announced plans to put the actress forward for an Oscar this year, after the film picked up various accolades at a number of indie ceremonies.
Happy Birthday Marsha also stars trans actresses Eve Lindley, Cherno Biko and Rios O’Leary-Tagiuri.
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Watch a trailer for the film below.
