MEDIA RELEASE
13 September 2022
STRONGER THAN FICTION DOCUMENTARY SERIES
PRESENTS
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SURVIVAL
Stronger than Fiction Documentary Series presents Instructions for Survival—
A love story about Sasha a trans man and his partner Mari and their dream of a
more equal existence.
Sasha is a trans man living in Tbilisi, Georgia – a place where many LGBTQIA+ people do not feel safe to live openly. Sasha’s transgender identity means he is must lead a life of secrecy.
The consequences of Sasha being recognised on the street by friends, family and colleagues who knew him pre-transition could be life threatening. In Georgia, a former Soviet country, equality and basic human rights for trans people is challenged. An experience shared by many in the LGBTQIA+ community in other former Soviet countries.
Sasha and his partner Mari are forced to live on the fringes; faced with the suffocating secrecy of their life and the ever present lack of freedom. The couple find acceptance, dignity and humour in the flat they share with Mari’s siblings and mother.
Not having met the state’s surgical requirements, Sasha is unable to change his ID which means he constantly has to deal with clashing identification in a country where ID cards are needed for everyday mundane activities. Trapped, unable to move on with his life, he and Mari dream of moving to another country where they will be free to be themselves.
“It is a salutary lesson in why the struggle for equality matters in day to day life.” - Eyeforfilm
“In its quietly powerful and deeply humane way, Instructions for Survival captures both the heartbreak and profound joy of ordinary love in extraordinary circumstances.” – Frameline
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SURVIVAL Screenings
3pm Sunday 18th September6.30pm Friday 23rd September
Dendy Cinemas, Canberra Centre
TICKETS AVAILABLE here
WATCH TRAILER here
PRESS PACK here
ABOUT STRONGER THAN FICTION DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
Since 2013, Stronger than Fiction has been screening the finest documentary cinema from around the world in Canberra, giving audiences unique insights into the lives of people from all corners of the globe. Often made over several years by passionate independent filmmakers,the films tell local stories that connect with national and international issues. These films are ‘Stronger Than Fiction’: the emotion, the suspense, the humour and the deep truths about human nature that we expect from great movies are all there, while staying factual. Engaging with these superbly crafted under-marketed gems, audiences have the chance to get behind the headlines and better understand the big stories of our time.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Deborah Kingsland & Hannah de Feyter, STF Co-Director
E: hi@strongerdocs.com
