Image+Nation
LESBIAN SIMULATOR

LESBIAN SIMULATOR

IRIS VAN DER MEULE | PAYS-BAS / NETHERLANDS | 2026 | 40 MIN | FRENCH + ENGLISH

LAUNCH EVENT WITH SPECIAL GUESTS - FREE ADMISSION // NOV 20 & NOV 28

IRIS VAN DER MEULE | PAYS-BAS / NETHERLANDS | 2026 | 40 MIN | FRENCH + ENGLISH

IN-CINEMAExclusiveI+N EXCLUSIVES

Presented by

SODEC
NOV 20 / 17:00Esplanade Tranquille1442 Rue Clark, Montréal, QC H2X 2R3 (métro Place-des-Arts)
NOV 28 / 13:00ESPACE ONF1500 Rue Balmoral. Montréal, QC H3A 2H7 (métro Place des Arts)

Synopsis

Dutch artist and filmmaker Iris van der Meule’s _Lesbian Simulator_ is an interactive VR experience that invites players to step into a lesbian’s shoes. From coming out and first dates to discrimination and verbal abuse, players navigate the ups and downs of queer life, discovering its challenges and joys. Blending humour, play, and social awareness, the experience offers a fresh perspective on lesbian identity and community. The French version features the exciting addition of Ariane Moffat as the Lesbian Goddess, alongside Anne-Sarah Charbonneau as the Girlfriend. The English version features Hanna van Vliet (_Anne+_, I+N33) and Sofie Hellemons. Winner of the Innovation Hub Audience Award at TIFF 2026.

Filmmaker Bio

Iris van der Meule (she/her) is a queer digital artist and director based in Amsterdam. Iris researches immersive storytelling and creates VR experiences, animation films, illustrations and other interactive curiosities. In her work she discusses socially relevant theme's, like discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community, climate change, mental health and gender inequality. In her work she explores innovative ways to hold a mirror up to society. Her projects are equally cutting as they are light hearted, usually wrapped in a layer of humor and sarcasm.

Director's Statement

With Lesbian Simulator and the immersive nature of VR, I hope to awaken this empathy among straight people. […] I wanted to show that being queer isn't only a 'miserable' experience. Being queer is also beautiful, it's fun and it's so freeing! […] So I created a balanced narrative highlighting both of these sides, allowing the viewer to learn in a playful way using lot's of game elements. […] Lesbian Simulator gives food for thought and opens up the conversation about improving LGBTQIA+ acceptance in society in a fun and playful way.

Producer

Corine Mejers

Writer

Iris van der Meule

Cast

  • Hanna van Vliet
  • Sofie Hellemons
  • Ariane Moffat
  • Anne-Sarah Charbonneau

PARTNERS

SODEC

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