This Polish film about gender reassignment provides an intelligent and poignant counterpoint to the recent Caitlyn Jenner sensationalism in the U.S. media. Marianna, our charismatic central character, is introduced in a theatrical setting: A staged reading of a script based on Marianna’s story is intercut with real-life footage. An ultimately tragic character, Marianna is admirable in her tenacity and optimism despite the immense emotional, physical, and social complications of her situation, which are captured by the film’s haunting musical score. We witness her various love stories and her difficult relationships with family and friends in a Europe that, while transformed, retains vestiges of its formerly repressive value systems. Call Me Marianna offers valuable insights into the difficult issues around gender affirmation, and the enormous sacrifices involved in expressing one’s identity.  AM