More Film: “The Most Dangerous Year” Opens At Northwest Film Forum

As a dark wave of anti-transgender “bathroom bills” began sweeping across the nation, The Human Rights Campaign called 2016 the most dangerous year for transgender Americans. Filmmaker Vlada Knowlton captured the ensuing civil rights battle from the perspective of a group of embattled parents – including herself and her husband, parents of a young trans girl– fighting to protect their children from discriminatory laws in their home state. While Knowlton passionately follows the story of anti-transgender legislation, the heart of the film lies in the stories of the families who accept and support their kids for exactly who they are.
The story begins in January, when six discriminatory anti-transgender bills are introduced into the Washington State Legislature. This launches a year-long struggle in which the central group of parents, who had never been political activists in the past, along with a state-wide coalition of lawmakers and civil rights organizations, attempt to fight a dark movement of fear, hate, and ignorance.

From the tension-filled Senate hearings to the passionate Olympia protest rallies; from the “Washington Won’t Discriminate” celebrations of diversity to the “Just Want Privacy” press events heralding the intent of the anti-transgender (I-1515) ballot initiative…Knowlton takes us on the journey of Washington State’s modern-day civil rights battle, as well as her own struggle to protect her 5-year-old transgender daughter from laws inspired by bigotry and fear. The Most Dangerous Year is Knowlton’s second feature documentary.

If you are a filmmaker and would like to meet Vlada for a casual cup of joe, we’ll be hosting a free-for-NWFF-members Communal Coffee event with her at the Forum at 3pm on May 17th. RSVP at —> northwestfilmforum.wufoo.com/forms/klxj9ki1dy3ht6 General admission for non-members is $15.