5Point Film Preview: “TranSending” Brings Diversity To The Outdoor Community

TranSending is one of the outstanding films showcased at this year’s virtual 5Point Film Festival. The short movie follows Erin Parisi, a transgender woman whose mission is to create awareness for the trans community. To do this, Parisi is training to be the first trans woman to take on the renowned Seven Summits, meaning the highest mountains of each of the seven continents. Her story is one of vulnerability, courage and self-discovery.  

Erin Parisi. Photo courtesy 5Point Adventure Film Festival.

Covering issues of diversity/LGBTQ+ issues in the outdoor community was of upmost importance at this year’s festival.  

“I think diverse representation is really critical in our industry, and in one sense this is what TranSending is all about. [Parisi] made a choice to step out into the public sphere and in doing so she provided to others what she didn't always have herself — a role model,” says Charlie Turnball, 5Point Film programming associate. 

Turnball believes many of her challenges are universal. “We all have periods in our lives where we feel insecure or anxious about how we present ourselves to the world, and I think just making that connection can be a powerful way to feel more at peace with those insecurities. [Parisi’s] story helps us do that,” he adds. 

Parisi came to Colorado over 15 years ago. After announcing her transition, questions regarding her passion for adventure sports and travel arose within herself and others. She quickly proved any doubts false — she has already completed three of the seven summits in the first half of 2018 in Australia, Africa and Europe. 

“[Parisi’s] story needs to be heard, and what a better platform than 5Point which promotes stories of adventure that have the power to ignite positive change,” shares director Mairin Hart. “Parisi is a pioneer for transgender mountaineers. Physically what she is doing taking on the Seven Summits is remarkable, but to do it with pride and representing an extremely marginalized community of people is next level. In 2020 we are in desperate need of positive and enlightening stories to help promote change in society, and [Parisi’s] story does just that.” 

The 5Point Film Festival 2020 runs online from Wednesday, October 14 through Sunday, October 18. Learn more at 5pointfilm.org/festival-2020-program-guide/.