Maverick doctor tackles genetics and gender in ‘GEN_’
Title: "GEN_: A Film Rooted in Quest for Identity and Reproductive Freedom"
In the bustling corridors of Milan’s Niguarda public hospital, a unique convergence unfolds under the stewardship of Dr. Maurizio Bini, an endocrinologist who navigates the complex territories of genetics and gender with equal precision. His patients, seeking to bear children or transition, find solace in his confidential approach, whispered conversations unfolding in intimate offices.
State-funded healthcare here empowers individuals to customize their future children’s traits, from hair color to eye shape, a stark contrast to the restrictive landscapes of neighboring nations. Gianluca Matarrese’s documentary "GEN_" captures this unparalleled realm, where biology, identity, and choice collide.
The film’s genesis was serendipitous. Anthropologist Donatella Della Ratta, intrigued by hormones, visited Dr. Bini’s clinic with director Matarrese in tow. Bini’s humane rapport with patients sparked Matarrese’s vision for "GEN_", winning him a slot at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
At the heart of "GEN_" lies Dr. Bini, a charismatic figure navigating the labyrinth of legalities and ethical dilemmas. He chairs conversations intrinsically linked, yet worlds apart: fertility treatments and gender affirmation surgeries. One such exchange involves a couple, eager to conceive, weighing their child’s future complexion. "Should we choose a Hispanic tone?" the wife asks, pausing, "Maybe a little lighter?"
Dr. Bini coddles, admonishes, and ultimately, empathizes. For many, he’s a beacon of hope in a sea of uncertainty. Yet, his methods aren’t without controversy. He totes the moral high ground but sometimes toes the line of what’s legally acceptable.
Matarrese, unobtrusive, captures these exchanges sideways, his camera’s shallow depth mimicking the intimacy of the discussions. The film also introduces Kiara, Dr. Bini’s protégé, embodying the shifting landscape of medical ethics and the inevitable generational shift.
The elephant in the room for American audiences? The free access to these life-altering treatments. One scene shows a prisoner, accompanied by a guard, discussing transition and surgery. "Are you happy?" the guard asks upon Dr. Bini’s exit. "Very happy!" she responds, encapsulating the transformative power of choice.
"GEN_" isn’t an agenda-driven film, per se. Instead, it showcases a society prioritizing individual care over state-imposed decisions, a narrative alien to many U.S. viewers. In Italy, even regions embracing conservatism find pockets of progress, and Niguarda hospital stands as a testament to that.
screening details:
- Jan 24, 3:00 PM – Egyptian Theatre
- Jan 25, 1:50 PM – Megaplex Redstone 3
- Jan 27, 12:30 PM – Broadway Centre Cinemas 6, Salt Lake City
- Jan 31, 2:45 PM – Holiday Village Cinemas 2
- Feb 2, 10:20 AM – Megaplex Redstone 3
- Jan 30, 8:00 AM – Feb 2, 11:55 PM – Online streaming