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RAI FILM Festival takes place on 27-30 March 2025. Learn more.

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In a State of Dress

Directed by Madelief de Heer

2010 – 21'

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.

RAI FILM Festival 2025

The next RAI FILM Festival will take place in person from 27-30 March 2025 at the Watershed Cinema and the Arnolfini International Centre for Contemporary Arts in Bristol (UK) and online throughout the month of April 2025.