Interview with Marnie Blok of Beyond Silence

Our series of interviews continues with Marnie Blok, a well-known Dutch screenwriter, who debuts her directing career with Beyond Silence, a gut-wrenching film about speaking out. Using sign language as a metaphor for breaking the silence, the film is a confrontation against the system that oppresses women and blames them for the violence. We spoke with the director about her personal experiences, directing a deaf debutant actor, and the acclaimed journey of the film.

Beyond Silence knocked us off our feet at Tribeca with a trio of tour de force performances and a visceral, affecting screenplay. Each actresss brings a very unique aspect to their performance. Henrianne Jansen plays a deaf woman named Eva. She brings a nervousness to her story and a doubt that she will be understood or heard. The emotion in her signing and her frustration that she isn't understood can be deeply felt and leaves a haunting mark that will stay with you long after the short ends. Sigrid ten Napel as Anna shows intense advocacy for Eva, being the support she needs not only to translate sign language but is also there as her emotional support. It's easy to see her care for Eva, reassuring her in the moments she is most filled with doubt and constantly standing in her corner, helping her to carry on. She is a mediator, not only to Sandrine but the audience as well as she passionately gives a voice to Eva. Tamara van den Dop as Sandrine gives a understated and restrained performance, as she feels she must hold back and remain professional. This lasts until the very last moments where she gets to let out a burst of emotion. Almost the entirety of the short takes place in a single room which makes this even more impressive as it allows the engaging performances to be the focus and take the drivers seat.