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.