Jean-Gina B. (1984): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1984, Jean-Gina B. is a documentary film directed by Pierre De Clercq, running about 90 minutes.

What it’s about. This film is based on the true story of Jean Bella, who served as an officer in the Belgian Marine while being convinced, from an early age, that he was in fact a woman. Director Jean-Pol Ferbus follows Jean Bella and makes him talk about his life, psychological and spiritual experiences and reveals the true poet who remained undisclosed for most of this person's life. The film ultimately isn't about transexuality but about loneliness one can experience when he/she feels very deeply that she/he belongs to the two sexes and this in a deep, almost religious, fashion, to such an extent that sexuality itself is being erased from one's life. Jean-Gina Bella is a woman in the body of a man who bravely lived a life on the sea, eventually fighting the elements, talking to God when lost on the immense solitary ocean. This testimony is a very touching and poetic one.

Who’s in it. Jean-Gina B. stars Jean Bella as Self, Béatrice Camurat as Jean-Paul's friend, Jean-Pol Ferbus as Self and Michel Israël as Receptionist, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Jean-Gina B. page.

If you liked it. Fans of Jean-Gina B. tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.