A trailer done by a filmmaker friend

[Charlize]

This is a trailer for a film due to be released at film festivals in the fall around the country and perhaps beyond.  He is a young man (isn't almost everybody when you turn 75) who has known me for years.  An Emmy winner he did a wonderful film about 11 years ago called the "Sourlands" and approached me well over a year ago asking if he could film again. So much had changed on the farm and for me.  I actually am honored although somewhat naked as this goes out into the world.  Perhaps, one hopes, it might help some struggling person.  Looking forward with curiosity and a bit of fear at what he comes up with.  

 

https://vimeo.com/831512652/454167a2ed

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[VickySGV]

That is going to be some good imagery of what and who you and we really are.  I can see the type of film artistry your friend is building to. 

[Charlize]

An image from the promo packet.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Charlize]

https://mailchi.mp/728b2e305119/world-premiere-in-montclair?e=a08024818c

 

I guess i'll be walking the red carpet this fall.  Ive got to get a gown.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Mmindy]

That’s fantastic Charlize

[tracy_j]

10 hours ago, Charlize said:

https://mailchi.mp/728b2e305119/world-premiere-in-montclair?e=a08024818c

 

I guess i'll be walking the red carpet this fall.  Ive got to get a gown.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

Next stop - Hollywood

 

Tracy

[Charlize]

  Here is some more info about some recently scheduled screenings.  Jared, the filmmaker, won't show me the film until i can see it "on the big screen".  I must admit i'm a bit nervous.  He followed me around for over a year on and off and then disappeared to film, i don't know where, around the farm.  There were some tears shed during one conversation, but i don't know if that's in the film, but it's ok either way.  

  If you are close enough to come, i'd love the support from any of my family here.

It's Official: Sugar House Yantra will make its world premiere October 21 at the Montclair Film Festival, followed by a special screening November 17 in Princeton. Additional screenings are scheduled in January at Stockton University and Rutgers. Details below.   https://mcusercontent.com/dccdc292352a5602cee2717de/images/a79910a3-dd3d-3fd2-eb4f-93a99b7a084d.jpg FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Story of a Transgender Maple Syrup Farmer from Jersey “Sugar House Yantra” Premieres Oct. 21 at Montclair Film Festival Transgender farmers are rare in New Jersey. That’s one of the reasons Charlize Katzenbach feels compelled to share her story—to help others know they’re not alone. Katzenbach, a transgender woman, is the subject of “Sugar House Yantra,” a documentary film premiering October 21 at 12:30pm at the 2023 Montclair Film Festival. The film follows Katzenbach through one winter season at Sweet Sourland Farm in Hopewell, NJ, where she has been producing maple syrup and other forest products for more than 35 years. A trailer and synopsis of the documentary are available online. “There are a lot of people who are older, who, like me, were raised at a time when it was absolutely impossible to express who you are,” Katzenbach says in the film. “And they're wondering, ‘Oh, is it too late for me now?’” Her answer: It’s never too late. Katzenbach, now in her 70s, began identifying as a transgender woman in her 60s, after a lifetime of working in typically male-dominated fields such as construction and forestry. She has shared her story with agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture, and was recognized in 2022 by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for her role in advancing the visibility of trans farmers. “I figured out how to live my life as the person I am,” Katzenbach says. The documentary’s director is award-winning filmmaker Jared Flesher, of Ringoes, NJ, who has been chronicling memorable people and places in the Garden State for more than a decade. Katzenbach appeared in one of Flesher’s early documentaries, “Sourlands,” which screened at the 2013 Montclair Film Festival. “I’m excited to return to Montclair ten years later,” says Flesher. “A lot can change in ten years—that’s what my film’s about. We get older, places change, society changes. For some people, genders change. Change is a universal human experience that connects us.” And what else is in the documentary? “The film follows the peaceful and satisfying process of transforming maple sap into maple syrup,” Flesher says. Public ticket sales to the Montclair Film Festival begin October 6. “Sugar House Yantra” will also screen November 17 at the Princeton Public Library, January 20 at Stockton University, and January 27 at Rutgers University. For details and a full screening schedule, visit www.hundredyearfilms.com/sugarhouse. ### Contact: Jared Flesher / [email protected] / 908.788.2835 https://mcusercontent.com/dccdc292352a5602cee2717de/images/06e1c596-4937-114c-7e81-79857fda9242.png Hugs,   Charlize

 

 

 

[Vidanjali]

This is awesome, @Charlize ! How lovely. I hope the film makes it onto other film festival circuits so more of us could see it. Best of luck and blessings to you and Jared. 

[KayC]

"I figured out how to live my life as the person I am ... and you could do it"  This is great @Charlize!  Even just the Trailer is so inspiring. 

Thank you! for sharing your life experiences with all of us, and your Life Story for the big screen.  I hope I can see the full documentary some day.

[Jani]

This is lovely @Charlize.  If any fame comes from it, you've earned every bit.  

 

Jani

[Ashley0616]

Congratulations @Charlize

[MirandaB]

Sorry to say, @Charlize, that even though, to give you an idea how close I am to Montclair I once walked home from there, I will not be around then...on vacation elsewhere. But maybe I can make one of those other screenings in NJ, so hoping for reminders to pop up between now and those!

 

[Betty K]

Oh wow, this looks amazing @Charlize. I can totally understand why you might feel naked, and I applaud your courage in pushing through regardless. I'll wait and hope to see it on a streaming service one day. Power to you and your filmmaker friend.