Portret van Verlangen
This summer, Rialto invites you to reconsider desire, intimacy, and sexuality – through a different lens. With the film program Portret van Verlangen, we present a series of films that challenge the traditional gaze and create space for female, queer, and non-binary perspectives. Bodies are not shown as objects, but as storytellers.
The program was sparked by the much-discussed film Babygirl by Halina Reijn, which ignited conversations both within and beyond Rialto about sexual representation in cinema. What makes a film sensual or erotic? And who gets to decide that?
These questions led to a unique internal exploration among our team. The result: a personal and surprising film selection featuring provocative titles such as The Handmaiden, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Raw, Secretary, and the double bill with need and When the Body Says Yes.
In addition to screenings, there will be introductions and post-screening talks with directors, curators, and specialists. Together, we'll delve into conversations about desire, shame, autonomy – and everything in between.
Portret van Verlangen is for those who dare to feel. Come watch, listen – and perhaps rediscover a part of yourself.
