THAY - Directed by Sabine van Wechem

Project Type: Short docu-film

Project Title: THAY

Brief Synopsis: THAY is a film about a young queer woman named Thay, who grows up in a community in Rio de Janeiro amidst poverty and violence. Due to the violence, life in the community primarily takes place within the confines of their own street, the labyrinth of alleyways, and the small living rooms. Thay brims with joy for life, possesses unwavering strength, and is in the midst of a journey to discover her identity and sexuality in order to lead a free and independent life.

The sense of community in this enclosed world is strong. Young people mature quickly, not everything is openly discussed, and from a young age, they cope with harsh daily realities. Thay works hard to shape her own life and rises above the expectations typically associated with living in the favela. She works in a shoe store in downtown Rio de Janeiro, has come out as gay, and lives with her girlfriend. Her dream is to take care of her family and build her own house.