Gianluca Matarrese's gentle documentary Gen_ opens with overwhelming images of planets and stars. Or are they cells and aspects of human biology? As we lean in to the screen, curious about what we're seeing, the title, Gen, that's gen with an underscore, flits on screen, with a rotation appendage of possible word creations: genesis, genitals, genetics, generation, genealogy, gender, genes.

Overlaying this is a chaos of noise and radio chatter from around the globe. European figures discuss trans rights, while American voices talk about reproductive rights. The message is clear: women's bodies are being controlled globally.

Gianluca asks us to consider the weight of these words and these voices momentarily before he introduces us to Dr Bini, a kind, considerate, and ageing doctor near retirement. Dr Bini works in Milan's Niguarda public hospital tending to patients who are undergoing reproductive technology procedures or gender confirmation surgery.

Over the next 100 or so minutes, Gianluca observes quietly and lets Dr Bini, his patients, and the transitory hospital he works in speak for themselves. Gen_ is a considerate and kind documentary which premiered at Sundance, and it stands as a beacon of recognition for the power of advocacy in medical fields for those who may not be able to stand up for themselves in the face of cruel and controlling legislation. Dr Bini talks through the possibility of care with his patients, noting for some that reproductive technology at a certain age might be risky or blocked, or that gender confirmation procedures might be restricted, and in doing so, he speaks through the avenues for care, treatment, and support.

Gen_ feels like someone resting a hand on the shoulder of those in need. It is shot in such a patient and kind manner, with Gianluca sitting in silence in a doctors appointment with Dr Bini and his patients, quietly observing and letting the words and weight of the sound of empathy linger in the air. Notably, Giorgia Villa's editing creates a conversation between appointments, ensuring that the impact of one patients journey is felt on anothers, someone they may never have met.

In the above interview, Gianluca talks about how the documentary came about, the notion of the documentary film as a form of advocacy, and more.

Gen_ screened at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Visit Gianluca's website for more details.

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