Palettalk Recommends: “Little Girl”

Many people find it challenging to be accepted by society for simply “living as themselves.”

The protagonist of the movie “Little Girl,” 7-year-old Sasha, is one of those individuals. Born in northern France, Sasha was assigned male at birth, but from around the age of 2, she has been insisting that she is a girl.

This documentary follows Sasha, her mother, and their family. The actual girl pictured on this poster is Sasha.

In this article, we will introduce the movie “Little Girl,” which came out on November 19, 2021.

Directed by Sébastien Lifshitz, this film, after being premiered at the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival, continues to win various film awards. In France, where theaters were closed, it was broadcast on TV station ARTE in December of the same year. It had 1,375,000 viewers and achieved the highest audience rating (5.7%) for a documentary that year. It received a huge response online, with over 280,000 views. (from the official website of the movie “Little Girl”).

Sasha has the desire, like any other 7-year-old girl, to wear a skirt to school and to wear the same costumes as other girls in ballet class. It’s not a selfish desire to hurt anyone, but a genuine and simple wish of a small girl illustrated in a realistic manner. Many viewers will likely sense that it’s a natural and straightforward wish.

However, time and again, Sasha’s small desires are shattered by the school’s response and the attitudes of adults. Even children tease Sasha, boys laugh “You’re being like a girl,” and girls exclude her with comments like “even though you’re a boy.” 

While each of these seemingly innocent attitudes may not individually constitute strong, aggressive attacks or outright discrimination, the cumulative effect of repeatedly adopting the attitude of “never accepting you as you are” raises a question: can the person involved truly flourish in that society? For young Sasha, does she feel a sense of belonging and the freedom to be herself in places like her school and ballet class?

Sasha, who has experienced many incidents of not being accepted for who she is, carries a hint of loneliness even when she smiles. Her reserved expressions and words seem to reveal a past marked by hurt and a present tinged with despair.

Sasha, who has often not been accepted for who she is, carries a hint of loneliness even when she smiles. Her restrained expressions and words hint at a past filled with hurt and a sense of despair. 

However, this story is not just happening abroad or in a fantasy world. As a documentary, it makes viewers aware of societal norms that they might have never considered barriers before.

If you’re someone who hasn’t been told that your choices, or the colors you like are “wrong” or “unacceptable,” it might be an eye-opener to realize that this is a matter of chance. It could be a trigger for understanding that not everyone has the same experience. Rather than dismiss this chance as “it didn’t happen to me,” it might prompt some to actively foster an environment where individuals like Sasha can feel, “I belong here.”

Also, this is a story of a mother and her child.

Sasha’s mother, Karine, is a powerful partner who confronts Sasha’s feelings and circumstances head-on, walking alongside her. However, this is not something that can be dismissed with clichés like “mothers are strong” or “a mother’s love is great.” Karine, too, has experienced deep wounds and has lived with frustration, anxiety, and guilt. Taking care of four children, including Sasha, is already an incredibly challenging task, yet Karine always stands by Sasha, fights, gives her all, and strives to hear her child’s voice.

If your child belonged to a minority, how would you, as a parent, approach the situation?

In this imperfect society, where parents might unknowingly deny their child’s true feelings by saying “it’s just your imagination” and attempt to correct course, there are likely many who, with the best intentions, want their child to experience as little difficulty as possible. Some parents may struggle to confront and embrace their child’s true self.

For those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, coming out to close family members can be especially difficult. There might be additional fear in expressing true feelings. Sasha, too, was shown trying to act tough to avoid worrying her mother in some scenes. This selfless act, especially coming from such a young child, can be deeply heart-wrenching for some.

“Little Girl” captures the real daily life of Sasha, Karine, and their family, portraying their repeated struggles, conflicts, and the hope beyond them.

Winning the battle alone may seem impossible. One might feel like giving up, thinking, “Nothing will change.”

But what if there’s a supportive family?
What if there are friends you can depend on?
What if there are understanding people around?
What if schools change?

This film makes us think about the role we play in society.