I Am the Tigress

Tischa Thomas cuts a beguiling figure in a tight dress, with strawberry blonde wig and enormous biceps. She is about to leave the US to compete in a bodybuilding competition in Romania, accompanied by her jaded but loyal coach. Her extraordinary transformation from overweight mother-of-three to disciplined athlete and dominatrix speaks volumes about the relationship between gender and race, not least because Tischa is neither trans nor queer. Yet everything about her experience is a pointed commentary on how transphobia, racism and gendered violence are intimately linked. This is a highly unusual film about black womanhood that undercuts and destabilises our perceptions at every turn.

Contains scenes of physical restraint and injury.

We are pleased to announce an additional screening of this title. Tickets on sale Thu 10 Mar to BFI Patrons, Champions and Members from 11:30 and on general sale from 12:30.

Screening with

Queer black women and non-binary people share their best moments in this upbeat intergenerational discussion.

Jay Bernard