Release Year: 2014
English title: Before the Last Curtain Falls
Synopsis:
Thomas Wallner's documentary "Before the Last Curtain Falls" (German: Bevor der letzte Vorhang fällt) emerges as a poignant exploration of identity, love, and aging through the lives of a remarkable group of drag and transgender cabaret performers. Released in 2014, the film chronicles the journey of these artists as they prepare for their final show in Ghent after a successful international tour of the acclaimed cabaret "Gardenia."
Wallner, a German-Canadian filmmaker known for his ability to capture the human experience, offers a unique lens on the lives of these performers (Gerrit Becker, Richard Dierick, Vanessa Van Durme, Andrea De Laet, Danilo Povolo, Rudy Suwyns, Griet De Backer, Hendrik Lebon, Dirk Van Vaerenbergh, Yong Li and Ashref Mahmoud). He intended to move beyond the stereotypical narratives of transsexuality and homosexuality, aiming instead to highlight broader themes of love, acceptance, and the challenges of aging.