The Second Room

The Second Room

The Second Room (Tweede Kamer in Dutch) is my first film as both writer and director. The film is based on a true story—one that I personally experienced.

The title The Second Room carries a double meaning. On one hand, it refers to a literal second room in a hostel where a man lives illegally and exerts control over a woman—he is never seen, only felt throughout the story. On the other hand, Tweede Kamer is also the name of the Dutch House of Representatives, hinting at layers of control and power both personal and institutional.

I made this film during my early years in the Netherlands. One night, I needed to be on set at 6 AM for a shoot near Amsterdam, but I had no car. I decided to stay in a hostel near the location. There was only one room, with four triple bunk beds—twelve beds in total. I rented one. That night, I met a woman who deeply affected me and ultimately inspired the main character in this film.

She had once been a well-known actress, but after a series of tragic events, she lost everything and now lived in that shared hostel room. She was being pursued by people she had worked with illegally. I took her phone number. After finishing the film, I tried to contact her—she told me men had come to her room, and she had to change locations again. Shortly after, her number changed, and I never heard from her again.

All that remained from that night was a film.

The Second Room was made on a very low budget. The entire cast and crew generously volunteered their time and talent.

Our lead actress, Sussane Middelburg, is one of the most respected photographers in the Netherlands and a film festival juror. The second actress, Alin Wishka, is a gifted Dutch-Iranian performer with an impressive list of international film credits.

This film is a tribute to unheard voices, unseen lives, and the fragile boundary between safety and fear.