“A Queer Anthology - visual stories from a chosen family” (2023) is an collaborative project, initiated by Renee Mes, centered around the experiences and journeys of a group of friends: Arsalan, Inez, Maria, Devin and Ohemaa. This collaborative effort aims to visually depict and narrate their unique stories, emphasizing their development as queer individuals, the influence of their diverse cultural backgrounds, and the significance of the queer community and their relationships with each other.

The primary goal of the project is to foster greater acknowledgement and recognition for queer people of color. By sharing their personal narratives, the project seeks to raise awareness and provide a broader perspective on the identities and experiences of queer individuals in the Netherlands. Currently, the predominant narratives around queerness in the country tend to be told from a white perspective.

The anthology consists of five short movies, each focusing on an individual's story, which are presented collectively in one space. In addition, a collection of posters documents individual interviews and group discussions, providing further context to each person's unique journey. By combining visual storytelling, personal interviews, and group discussions, the project aims to create a comprehensive and impactful representation of the queer experiences of people of color in the Netherlands.

Through this project, the creators aim to highlight the resilience, joy, and strength found within the queer community. By sharing their stories and celebrating their unique identities, the project intends to inspire and empower others while creating a more inclusive and diverse representation of queer narratives in society.

credits:
D.O.P. - Cor Booy
Art Assistent - Elmar Sietzema & Lois van Galen Last
HMU - Roza Leyting
Production - Kenneth Okorley
Runners - Floortje van der Werff & Emmelotte van der Werff
Set photographer - Miranda Gashi
Sound Design - Jony Wegewijs & Maria Sanchez Garcia
Copywriter - Leana Boven & Deirdre Coyle Sanders
Director, Set Design, Art Direction, Graphic Design, Production, Edit & Colourgrading - Renee Mes

This project has been made possible with the support of The Creative Industries Fund NL.

A Queer Antology has been selected for Netherlands Film Festival (NFF) and Queer Film Festival Utrecht (QFFU)

> The Creative Industries Fund NL
> Portrait by Talent Platform
> Talk Pakhuis de Zwijger
> Netherlands Film Festival
> Queer Film Festival Utrecht