Chosen Family

A documentary by Elisa VDK

Massie, Addi, Lylybeth and Joy are four non-binary artists at a turning point in their careers on Brussels’ burgeoning drag scene. While this chosen family is close-knit and supportive, their blood family often has difficulty understanding their identity and their profession. Many truths and emotions remain unspoken.

Their shows, sometimes very funny, sometimes very dark, often both, are directly inspired by their daily struggles. The stage allows them to express their gender identities. It’s also their livelihood and the place where they draw the energy to force their way into our society.

As their performances become increasingly notable, a quest for identity and artistic recognition takes shape. These artists aspire to something essential: the need to embrace who you are and, above all, to be accepted for who you are.

Produced by RAYUELA PRODUCTIONS in co-production with RTBF and SHELTER PROD, with the support of THE CINEMA CENTRE OF THE WALLONIA-BRUSSELS FEDERATION and SCREEN.BRUSSELS. In association with Taxshelter.be, ING, with the support of the Belgian federal government’s tax shelter – This project participated in the Doccelerator Story writing workshop

DATA SHEET

Screenplay and direction: Elisa Vdk

Producer: Laurence Buelens

Cinematography: Camille Sultan, Maxime Lahousse, Diana Vos, Élisa Vdk

Sound: Edith Herregods, Yann-Elie Gorans, Barbara Juniot, Diana Dolce

Editing: Sébastien Calvez

Sound editing: Lise Bouchez

Mixing: Jeff Levillain

Animation: Giuseppe di Francisca

Graphic design & poster: Cécile Van Caillie

Grading: Miléna Trivier

Colour: Colour

Running time: 84 and 75 min.

Languages spoken in the film: French

Subtitle versions: English

Support: Centre du Cinéma et de l’Audiovisuel de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, Tax Shelter, Screen Brussels

Broadcaster: RTBF

ISAN: 0000-0007-5DAB-0000-5-0000-0000-M