Calalai In-Betweenness gives an insight into a culture in which psychological aspects of masculinity and femininity are in focus of five genders that exist: Women, Man, Calalai, Calabai, and Bissu. But what is the meaning of being Calalai, Calabai and Bissu? What characteristics are linked to each gender? One Bugis teacher defines Calalai as “A female who has the instinct and biology to become a man.”

For centuries, Bugis people have accepted gender diversity and fluidity as implicitly stated in the sacred La Galigo manuscript. Filmed in Makassar, South Sulawesi, a closer look is taken on the definition of femininity and masculinity in the Bugis culture. What are the dynamics of gender, spirituality and performance? How do these dynamics define the everyday life of the Bugis people?