Queer Tears started as enquiry into the relationship between queer identity and the inside/outside. How do I visualise the feeling of societal dissonance from my perspective as a queer person? Inspired by concepts of otherness, queer monsters and queer demons, I visualised what these concepts mean for me.
“When you think about monsters, there’s no such thing as a monster in isolation. Because if you just have a monster alone on an island, it’s just a creature trying to survive.” - Riva Lehrer, Talking monster theory and identity formation
film poster for Queer Tears
Early on in the process of making Queer Tears, I started to make the costumes. Inspired by Lukas Avendaño, who often challenges hegemonic heteronormative paradigms, I wanted to blend the traditional with the queer, or the queer with the monstrous. Using old materials, I designed two costumes, which for me represent the queer monster/demon. They are both masked and make references to queer culture and otherness.
Costume development and try outs
Other visual assets, such as the focus on water and body parts, shape the organic and living nature of the fluid representation of queer identity in the film.
Ultimately, Queer Tears depicts freedom. The freedom of expression and the freedom in resistance. Connected by tears and joy and the relief that there is value in queer existence.
teasers for Queer Tears (2025)
I made Queer Tears independently, with the exception of camera operation by Christina Waller and Kelly van den Goor. Queer Tears premiered at De Vaillant Theatre in The Hague in January 2025. It was also screened at De Nieuwe Vorst in Tilburg for LI-MA Bring Your Own File and at ClubSolo in Breda.
Q&A during screening of Queer Tears by LI-MA
film poster made by Sakmez at ClubSolo
