DEAR UNCLE
A feature documentary and self-reflective essay about the secrets families keep and the ways they shape us across generations.
LOGLINE
After losing a beloved uncle, queer filmmaker Marianne Amelinckx decides that the only path to collective healing is to unravel the a of hidden truths that binds her family together.
SYNOPSIS
In 2021, grieving the sudden loss of her beloved Uncle Ignacio, filmmaker Marianne Amelinckx sits down with her father to have a recorded conversation about a long-hidden family secret. Her goal was to unveil the mystery behind multiple family pictures circa 1950, in which her cis-straight uncle was dressed as a girl.
What begins as an exploration of gender norms and collective memory, quickly turns into a journey down memory lane that leads Marianne back to her hometown, where she explores the places that shaped her own queerness.
And, as she digs out the truth behind her family’s mythology and inherited patterns, she reconnects with her estranged Uncle Andy, who has long been marginalized within the family due to a mental condition rarely discussed.
Blending personal archival with present-day encounters, the film is a powerful reckoning with generational trauma and the unspoken agreements that hold families together.
If you want to know more about the project reach out to: marianne[at]theladiesroomagency[dot]com and julieta[at]theladiesroomagency[dot]com
Director’s Statement
DEAR UNCLE is a personal essay about family dynamics, intergenerational dialogue, and the healing potential of storytelling. Using a first-person narrative, we guide our viewers on a journey to discover the untold stories of my family, the Amelinckx’s, taking them through surprising turns and unexpected revelations that resonate with universal human emotions.
Our project contemplates the role of archival materials and oral history in the construction of shared memories and, to mirror this dynamic, our narrative is a mix of visual mediums and formats.
Lastly, carefully chosen musical interludes enhance an immersive experience during moments of reflection and significance, while the voiceover narration provides an emotional connection, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own experiences and the importance of healing and reconciliation.
The tone and style are similar to the documentaries ‘Great Photo, Lovely Life’ (dir: Amanda Mustard, Rachel Beth Anderson, 2023), and ‘Nelly & Nadine’ (dir: Magnus Gertten, 2022).
