In a State of Dress
Directed by Madelief de Heer
Synopsis
Filmed in Walcheren, a region in the south-west of the Netherlands, this film tells of the lived experience of wearing regional dress. Once worn by the whole community, today this complex attire is worn by only a small number of elderly women. Their experiences of wearing the dress everyday are contrasted with the sentiments of a young woman dressing up for a folkloric event. Pride, regret and concern for the future are expressed in this bittersweet portrait, bringing to life what has become a largely symbolic icon for the ‘traditional’ Dutch woman.