WRIF 2026 Film: Niñxs

Karla is coursing through all the typical milestones for someone of her age: experimenting with makeup, practicing for the school cheer team and being embarrassed by her parents. But despite the efforts of her deeply supportive family, Karla lives in a world where her transgender identity is a talking point and her adolescence has become slightly more complicated.

Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Sierra Madre Oriental mountains and vibrant street art of Tepoztlán, Mexico, first time director Kani Lapuerta shapes eight years of footage into a joyful and genre-defying film that is co-authored with it's teen protagonist. Karla intimately and unabashedly guides audiences through her journey for self discovery as she navigates the joys and uncertainties of adolescence, along with society's prejudices. Through Karla's exploration of her transgender identity, Niñxs presents an empowering, yet sweet coming of age story about self expression, resilience, and the complexities of growing up that is specific as it is universal.

Niñxs has played for audiences across the globe at NewFest, Sheffield DocFest, Festival Cine de Lima, Docs Ireland, Outfest, and Frameline San Francisco.

Presented by LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Network Dartmouth College