Bombay Eunuch (2001)

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This documentary chronicles East Indian groups of "third sex" individuals living in squalor in Bombay in the midst of a chaotic society that ousts them. The film begins by noting that for centuries eunuchs were considered semi-divine beings, heralded for their marital blessings and feared by many… More This documentary chronicles East Indian groups of "third sex" individuals living in squalor in Bombay in the midst of a chaotic society that ousts them. The film begins by noting that for centuries eunuchs were considered semi-divine beings, heralded for their marital blessings and feared by many for their powers. When the land was colonized by the British, their ritual castration was outlawed and their religion diminished in the eyes of many of the land's inhabitants. As the climate changed, these hijiras (or eunuchs) were forced to live lives as prostitutes or beggars, despite the reported population of about 1.5 million. Among the figures recorded is Meena, a 38-year old caretaker who stands her own ground and provides shelter to younger outcasts. The brassy, gruff Meena is a respected den mother, but her "family" has many drawbacks, especially with many hijiras becoming infected with HIV due to lack of sexual disease information. When the hijiras travel to Bopha for a convention, they are rejected by its constituents as they are planning a life of sacred celibacy. After berating the film crew for their humiliation, Meena is found a year later with her charges, working as tax collectors for the government. Bombay Eunuch was shot on high-definition video and directed by Alexandra Shiva, Sean MacDonald, and Michelle Gucovsky. ~ Jason Clark, Rovi