Beyond the Mirror is an intimate portrait of Renée, a charismatic and resilient Dutch gender-nonconforming person in their sixties. By day, Renée is a devoted community figure; by night, they transform into a glamorous presence of sequins, make-up, and bold self-expression. The film explores the complexity of identity, the courage it takes to live authentically, and the quiet power of beauty in unexpected places.
Through candid moments at home, poetic imagery, and scenes of vibrant transformation, Beyond the Mirror delves into a lifetime of navigating gender, love, aging, and visibility. With honesty, humor, and tenderness, the film invites the viewer into a world where the personal becomes political — and where dressing up is more than performance: it’s survival, joy, and resistance.
A Moment of Appreciation
It is impossible not to be impressed by the immense creativity, passion, and hard work that youpoured into the 10-minute challenge. For us, it was an absolute honor to witness your unique perspectives and the vibrant diversity that defines our community. We are deeply grateful for the stories you chose to share with us.
Creating your first film is an act of tremendous courage. It means turning your deepest thoughts into a story that others can understand and feel, taking risks, and trusting that your voice is worth being heard. Every frame and every line of dialogue reflects your dedication to telling stories that matter. Whether your film was a quiet exploration of identity or loud and unapologetic, you created something tangible that will stay with those who experienced it — and that is truly remarkable.
Wwere thrilled to encounter such a rich variety of stories — from films with poetic depth, to those that reimagined our understanding of intimacy, identity, and human connection, to films that made us laugh, lifted our spirits, and inspired us to take action. These works reminded us of the power of cinema to challenge, to inspire, and to spark change.
Beyond the Mirror is a poetic short film of approximately ten minutes, following Renée—a performer, thinker, and activist —on a personal and political journey through Amsterdam and Berlin.
The film begins quietly, with Renée seated on a bench in Amsterdam, drawing the viewer into her world.
A moving sequence of archival photos introduces the theme of travesty—not only as performance, but as lived experience. Her reflections appear as text near the Rijksmuseum, exploring questions of identity, visibility, and public space.
In Berlin, by the remains of the Wall, Renée delivers a powerful spoken statement about freedom, gender, and the internalized borders we carry.
The energy then shifts to Pride, where she speaks directly to community, resistance, and the power of joy.
The final scenes return to Amsterdam, where Renée is surrounded by flowers—a symbol of softness, renewal, and resilience. Her final words echo as the film fades into a gentle, reflective close.
Beyond the Mirror is an intimate, visually layered meditation on gender, space, and the desire to be truly seen.