UNMASKED: Film Stories with Ena Sendijarević

After a powerful first edition about the Bijlmer disaster, UNMASKED returns — this time in collaboration with Film Stories, a program that shines a light on one filmmaker at a time. On Saturday November 8th, Rialto welcomes Ena Sendijarević, the acclaimed director of Sweet Dreams, Take Me Somewhere Nice, and Import.

In this edition of UNMASKED: Film Stories, Sendijarević joins moderator Flo Meijer and the audience for an honest conversation about the power of storytelling, the vulnerability of the creative process, and the setbacks that shape every filmmaker’s journey. What drives her as a creator? Where does she find her inspiration? And how do you stay true to your vision in a world full of expectations?

The event is part of UNMASKED, a series curated by filmmaker Festus Toll at Rialto, inviting makers, thinkers, and artists to unveil the deeper layers behind their work — to speak openly about the themes, doubts, and insights that define their artistic practice.

This time, Film Stories — an initiative by the Rotterdam-based production company mint2 — joins UNMASKED. A natural collaboration, say the organizers: “We always say yes to Festus.” Because where UNMASKED exposes hidden systems and stories, Film Stories delves into the everyday reality of filmmaking itself — the compromises, dilemmas, disappointments, and triumphs that come with the craft.

Ena Sendijarević graduated from the Netherlands Film Academy in 2014. Her short film Import (2016) premiered at Cannes, and her debut feature Take Me Somewhere Nice (2019) won awards at IFFR and the Sarajevo Film Festival. With Sweet Dreams (2023), she made a lasting mark: the film opened the Netherlands Film Festival and went on to win six Golden Calves.

The evening promises an intimate and inspiring look behind the scenes of one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Dutch cinema.

Please note: this event will be held in Dutch.