Black and white photographs displayed on a wall in protective corner mounts, including a young girl sitting on the ground holding a ball and a group of people dressed formally at a dinner table.

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

While 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-male uncle Ignacio was dressed as a girl.

A collection of black and white vintage photographs displayed in a photo album, with some photos showing children playing, riding bikes, and outside scenes.

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 also shaped her own queerness.

Three people sitting at a table outdoors, with one woman holding hands with an older man while a woman smiles in the background.

And, as she digs out the truth behind her family’s inherited patterns, she reconnects with her estranged Uncle Andy, who has long been marginalized within the family due to a condition rarely discussed.

A woman with shoulder-length hair wearing sunglasses and a light denim jacket standing outdoors in a park with trees and buildings in the background, appearing to enjoy the sunshine.

A young woman and an older man sitting on a decorative outdoor bench, engaged in conversation, with greenery and mountains in the background.

Two women sitting across from each other at a lunch table, engaging in conversation. The table has a small potted cactus, mugs, and a menu. Window with blinds is behind.

Blending personal archival with present-day encounters, the film is a powerful reckoning with generational trauma, family mythology and the unspoken agreements that hold families together.

A vintage black and white photograph of three men posing in a forested area with large trees and dense foliage, placed on floral fabric background.

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A group of people celebrating a birthday around a table with a chocolate cake with lit candles. The girl in the center is blowing out the candle, surrounded by smiling adults.

marianne[at]theladiesroomagency[dot]com / julieta[at]theladiesroomagency[dot]com

Black and white photograph showing a young girl sitting on the ground with a ball near her feet, and another black and white photo of a group of people sitting at a dinner table with wine and food.

Two older men sitting and talking, one with a hat and the other with glasses in his pocket, in a casual setting.

Street view of colorful houses with multiple wires overhead, a man riding a bicycle, and cloudy sky.

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).

A woman with red hair and a nose piercing sitting at a table, looking thoughtful with her chin resting on her hand, in front of a black metal railing and a blurred plant in the background.

Director's Bio

PROJECT DETAILS

Genre: Documentary
Format: DCP
Project Status: Picture Lock / Post-Production in process.
Country: Venezuela, United States, Mexico
Language: Spanish / English
Running Time: 85 min.
Key words: Family Portrait, Queer Cinema, Personal Documentary

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