The Garden Left Behind is a powerful drama that explores the challenges faced by transgender individuals within the context of immigration issues. Tina is a young trans woman who is in the process of transitioning and is struggling to deal with the isolation, discrimination, and violence she faces in her daily life. She lives with her grandmother, Eliana who is undocumented. They're both poor and have been living in New York City for over a decade. Tina is trying to make connections and build a community within the LGBTQ+ community, but the path to doing so is fraught with difficulties.
As Tina's transition progresses, she faces a variety of challenges from both outside and within the transgender community. Her relationship with Eliana is also tested as they both try to build a new life for themselves while navigating the complexities of immigration law and the hostility they encounter from strangers. The film does a great job of presenting these issues without judgement, allowing audiences to empathize with Tina and Eliana as they struggle to find a place of acceptance in a society that is often hostile to those who are different.
The Garden Left Behind was directed by Flavio Alves and won the Audience Award at the 2019 SXSW Film Festival. The film features a fantastic performance from Carlie Guevara as Tina, with Miriam Cruz providing a nuanced portrayal of Eliana. The film is a heart-wrenching portrait of the challenges faced by trans individuals within the immigrant community, and it is a powerful reminder of the need for greater acceptance and understanding in our society.