The documentary films Born to Be by Brazilian-American director Tânia Cypriano and Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado by Cristina Costantini and Kareem Tabsch were nominated for the 42nd Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards. Cypriano’s acclaimed film nabbed two nominations for Best Documentary and for Outstanding Direction: Documentary, while the Mucho Mucho Amor was nominated for Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary.
Born to Be follows the work of Dr. Jess Ting at the groundbreaking Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery. There, for the first time ever in New York City, transgender and gender non-binary people have access to quality gender-affirming care. With extraordinary access, this remarkable documentary offers an intimate look at how one doctor’s work impacts the lives of his patients as well as how his journey from renowned plastic surgeon to pioneering gender-affirming specialist has led to his own transformation.
Mucho Mucho Amor tells the story of Puerto Rican astrologer and psychic superstar Walter Mercado, who discusses his life, career and post-fame seclusion. The winners in the Documentary category of the 42nd Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.
