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Change is difficult for everyone, not only for the people experiencing it firsthand, but also for those who stand beside them. Learning to navigate change is never easy, yet it is an inevitable part of life. “Adam’s Apple”, directed by Amy Jenkins and screened in the Gex Doc section of #Giffoni56, tells the story of Adam, a transgender young man navigating the many changes that come with gender transition, as well as the ordinary yet profound transformations that accompany growing up.
The director, who is also Adam’s mother, set out to explore not only her son’s emotional journey but also that of the entire family, highlighting the challenges every family must face, understand, and grow through. Built from footage filmed over the course of 20 years, the documentary offers an honest portrait of the struggles, fears, joys, and achievements of a family that evolves over time while confronting complex questions. It is a powerful and deeply moving testimony, particularly relevant in today’s ethically and politically charged climate surrounding these issues.
Amy Jenkins took part in an engaging discussion with the parents of the #giffoners, opening the conversation by saying: “Adam is doing well. He’s getting ready to move to Scotland, and he’s now 23 years old. Thanks to this film, we’ve travelled a lot together, but we’re also happy to answer everyone’s questions on Instagram”.
The first question came from Giovanni, who asked: “Everything seemed to unfold quite naturally in the film, but how did you deal with the most difficult moments?”.
The director replied: “As a mother, I’ve always loved my son unconditionally. This is the story of a family and of a teenager growing up. Communicating with your children is one of the most important things”.
Anna then took the floor to thank the director: “I’d like to thank you for this film, because it really makes us think. Politically, we constantly hear about the supposed dangers of hormone therapy, and this documentary helps challenge those ideas and encourages reflection”.
The next question came from Catherine, who asked: “Were there moments when Adam felt uncomfortable or suffered because he was being filmed during his transition?”.
Amy Jenkins answered: “My family is used to being filmed, so they’re comfortable with having a camera around, although I always ask for permission. As for the scene with the stocking, I think it’s important because we, as parents, have memories that our children don’t. That scene was meant to preserve one of those memories. Adam has always been very open about sharing his life. There were also many funny moments that may not have come across fully in translation. During filming I learned that I always had to film him after lunch, never before! Of course, this was his life, and we made sure he agreed with every single scene included in the film”.
Jennifer then asked: “The film was incredibly moving. How are you dealing with the anti-trans legislation currently being introduced in the United States?”.
The director responded: “Right now it’s very difficult. Many of these laws force transgender people to wait until they’re 19 before they can begin their transition. Adam was able to start at 15 because those laws weren’t in place at the time. He’s just like everyone else, and it’s only right that people have access to gender-affirming care. Puberty is an incredibly delicate stage, and now many teenagers are being forced to wait through years of major changes. It was important for us to show just how vital it is to care for one another”.
She concluded the discussion by adding:
“I’d also like to say that Adam would emphasise how important it is to focus on the joy that can come from going through a change like this. That unconditional love also has to come from within ourselves”. With those words, Amy Jenkins brought the conversation to a close, leaving the audience with a powerful reminder that, when facing life’s biggest changes, love remains the most essential force of all.