Documentary
United States of America
XY Chelsea is a documentary film narrating the life of former US military analyst Chelsea Manning. The film's name comes from the fact that Manning, who was assigned male at birth, is a transgender woman. The documentary is directed by British filmmaker Tim Travers Hawkins and premiered at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival.
The film covers Manning's journey from her childhood, her decision to join the armed forces, her deployment to Iraq, and her eventual arrest for leaking classified documents to WikiLeaks. The documentary includes interviews with Manning, her friends, family, and legal team, touching on her decision to become a whistleblower and the impact of her actions.
The documentary explores the challenges Manning faced in prison, including her solitary confinement, the impact of her gender identity on her mental health, and her struggle for medical care. It also covers the events surrounding her release from prison and her activism following her release.
XY Chelsea is a powerful and emotional documentary that sheds light on the personal struggles and political impact of one of the most controversial figures in recent history. The film received positive reviews for its honest portrayal of Manning's story and its exploration of the intersection of political activism and personal identity.
