Clementine
In-person & Virtual
Date/Time: 9/5 (Fri) 9:30 PM (Doors open at 9 PM)
Location: Brooklyn Art Haus (24 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211)
Streaming period: 9/8 (Mon) 12:00 AM ET - 9/14 (Sun) 11:59 PM ET.
Streaming is only available in the U.S.
Director Sally Tran
Writer Yên Sen
Country US
Year 2024
Language English
Genre Drama, Comedy
Running Time 15 min
After dealing with the usual Trans misogyny and patriarchal nuisances, Ly arrives at her bestie Noah’s apartment to help them get ready for a date. When Ly opens Noah’s laptop to play “glamorous” tunes, she’s caught-off-guard by sexually explicit content. Curious and triggered, Ly focuses on a specific image, the vagina. Provoking her to ask Noah, Brooklyn’s resident “f*ckperson,” what a vagina feels like. Leading to her to a “vagina 101” lecture led by Noah, taking her deep down the rabbit hole to confront a brewing conflict while on the road to reclaim and define her womanhood.
This film is part of the Shorts: Queering the Dreamscape program.
Director’s Statement
As the director of Clementine, embarking on this journey has been profoundly enlightening for me as a cisgender woman. Being entrusted with the opportunity to delve into the intricate narrative of a transgender coming-of-age story has opened my eyes to the complexities of identity. This tale resonates deeply with me as an immigrant, as it explores themes of identity, a struggle I have personally faced. However, the exploration of one's identity within their own body and sexuality is inherently intricate.
Contemplating the significance of a vagina to both cisgender and transgender women is a sensitive and delicate process. Much like the subject matter itself, this comedy-drama is a poignant and unique narrative. We approached the execution of the film with a highly stylized conceptual framework, juxtaposing the reality of life at home and on the streets of New York City with the symbolic representation of the vagina.
Collaborating with the writer, creator, and actor Yên Sen has allowed this story to flourish in ways I hadn't imagined.
Director’s Bio
Sally Tran (she/her)
Sally Tran is a writer and director from New Zealand by way of Vietnam, living in New York City. Tran’s filmmaking expertise focuses on creating unique stories through her multicultural experiences. Her film career started in New Zealand, she has directed three short films, and a feature funded through the New Zealand Film Commission, and Creative New Zealand.
Tran’s commitment to continuously developing her craft has seen her form strong networks in New Zealand, New York, and Vietnam. Her mission is to continually focus on narrative work through her unique lens.
Some of Tran's list of residencies, scholarships and placements have been awarded from Massey University writer in residence. Asia New Zealand Foundation, for research and development for films. Script to Screen fellowship to NYC’s Killer films, and the Berlinale Talents, Berlin.
Writer’s Bio
Yên Sen (she/they)
Aside from being a full-time Goddess, Yên (she/they) is a proud first-generation, Vietnamese, queer, and Trans woman. She is also a filmmaker, model, writer, and an award-winning actress that aims to affirm, create more space, and empower her Trans and BIPOC communities through authentic heartfelt story-telling. While also transcending, challenging and decolonizing narratives and constructs that have held her communities back.
She made her television debut on "And Just Like That," and can also be seen on “Gossip Girl,” and “American Horror Story.” In addition, Yên has starred in award-winning indie films that have screened at TIFF, Slamdance, BFI Flare, Frameline, Outfest, Newfest and more.
Clementine, her first screenplay and production, had its world premiere at NewFest and west coast premiere at Slamdance 2025.
Yên has trained at Atlantic School of Acting, Esper Studio, Berg Studio, and ActNow under emmy-nominated Actress Rain Valdez. She has been featured in Perfect Mag, The Cut, Paper Magazine, Burdock, and more.
NYC is currently her home.