Trailer
Trailer
In 2016 a small group of families with transgender kids joined the fight against a wave of discriminatory anti-transgender legislation that swept the nation and their home state. With the help of a coalition of civil rights activists and ally lawmakers, these families embarked on an uncharted journey of fighting for their children’s lives and futures in this present-day civil rights story.
About
What happens when a community stands up for its civil rights?
About
What happens when a community stands up for its civil rights?
“Intensely personal...it makes its case effectively.”
“Humble, yet deeply moving documentary...What makes “The Most Dangerous Year” so beautifully effective is its representation of these loving, proud families who choose to stand up for the humanity and humane treatment of their children — and the politicians who listen.”
“Movingly told...powerful documentary, which makes the valuable point that this is a civil rights issue....”
#TheMostDangerousYear
In early 2016, when a dark wave of anti-transgender “bathroom bills” began sweeping across the nation, The Human Rights Campaign published a report identifying 2016 as the most dangerous year for transgender Americans. In Washington State six such “bathroom bills” were introduced in the State Legislature. Documentary filmmaker Vlada Knowlton captured the ensuing civil rights battle from the perspective of a small group of embattled parents as they banded together to fight a deluge of proposed laws that would strip away the rights of their young, transgender children. As one of the parents, Knowlton presents an intimate portrait of her own struggle to protect her 5-year-old transgender daughter from laws inspired by ignorance and fear.
From tension-filled Senate hearings in Olympia to intimate household settings of the families involved; from thought provoking conversations with key lawmakers to elucidating facts explained by leading scientists - The Most Dangerous Year explores the transgender civil rights battle in all its richness and complexity. While the film follows the story and outcome of anti-transgender legislation in Washington, the heart of the film lies in the stories of the families who made the decision to accept and support their kids for exactly who they are.
Partners & Sponsors
Distributors
Since 1998, Passion River Films has been devoted to acquiring, distributing and representing unique independent films and documentaries. Our deep catalog represents films focused on a multitude of topics including Multicultural Studies, Women’s Studies, Medical Studies and Advances, Religious and Spiritual studies, Environmentalism, Aging, Drug Addiction, LGBT and more!
Collective Eye Films is an educational film distribution and production company that represents over 180 compelling documentaries which explore the untold stories of our time. Our films build bridges between cultures and provide unique perspectives by exploring social, political, environmental, and spiritual issues to bring provocative and entertaining stories to the screen.
Academic Entertainment’s mission is to promote education through quality entertainment, offering a wide range of K-12 school assembly programs, summer camp shows, youth motivational speakers, and educational performers nationwide.
Sponsors
A nonprofit film and arts center located in Seattle, Northwest Film Forum presents hundreds of films, festivals, community events, multidisciplinary performances, and public discussions each year. A comprehensive visual media organization, the Forum offers educational workshops and artist services for film and media makers at all stages of their development.
Committed to advancing women in the film, digital, and media industry; promoting diversity; and working to achieve gender parity and access. Established in 1990, WIF Seattle is a non-profit organization of professionals that supports members and the community through education and connection.
As the cultural funding agency for King County, Washington, 4Culture works to make our region vibrant. Look for all the ways we are at work in your community.
promotional partners
KEXP is a nonprofit arts organization serving music lovers through in-person, broadcast and online programming. KEXP operates one of the most influential listener-supported radio stations in the world, 90.3 KEXP-FM Seattle, with online and on-air service reaching over 200,000 global listeners each week. On KEXP’s YouTube channel , videos of exclusive live performances garner millions of views per week. In our home at Seattle Center, KEXP hosts community events and produces hundreds of live performances each year, many of which are open to the public at no charge.
The intelligent, trusted, essential resource for Puget Sound–area parents, ParentMap is a monthly magazine packed with information that helps families make decisions and connections. Check out our award-winning content for every age and stage, a comprehensive calendar, and the latest news that affects children and families in our state.
Founded in 1973 after the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son, PFLAG is the nation's largest family and ally organization. Uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) with families, friends, and allies, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality through its mission of support, education, and advocacy.
Established in 1981, GSBA is Washington State's LGBTQ and allied chamber of commerce and is the largest of its kind in North America. We represent over 1,300 small business, corporate, and nonprofit members who share the values of promoting equality and diversity in the workplace. GSBA proudly serves as a connector across the region, bringing the community together through business while advocating for civil rights and small business, promoting LGBTQ tourism through Travel Out Seattle, and investing in the next generation of leaders through the GSBA Scholarship Fund.