Toi Mon Endo presents

Behind the Smile:
Endometriosis, 200 Million Invisible Stories

A co-production by Toi Mon Endo ASBL and Narrativ Nation
Written by Maud Carpentier
Directed by Adriana Da Fonseca
Produced by Laura Lequeu and Dylan Klass

Laura always knew she wanted to create a film that would give visibility to what is so often described as invisible: endometriosis.

Yet bringing this idea to life was far from simple. It required time, perseverance, and the ability to convince others that such a story needed to be told. Finding funding, building the right team, coordinating and turning a vision into a concrete project was a long journey filled with challenges.

In 2024, Laura finally decided to take the leap and do everything in her power to make this project a reality. With determination and the support of a dedicated creative team, the project gradually took shape. What once began as an idea driven by conviction became a film that now helps bring the realities of endometriosis into the light.

The rest, as they say, you now know.

But for Laura, this is only the beginning. She already envisions a continuation of the story through a series of future episodes, expanding the narrative and deepening the exploration of endometriosis and the many realities surrounding it. She remains open to discussions with partners and supporters interested in helping finance and develop the next chapters of this project, so that even more voices and stories can be brought forward.

This first Belgian short film raising awareness about the early diagnosis of endometriosis was made for teenagers and created with teenagers.

Under the direction of filmmaker Adriana Da Fonseca, teenagers were involved at every stage of the creative process. They contributed to reviewing and adapting the script to ensure it reflected the reality of young people’s lives. Many also participated as actors, extras, or assistants, each bringing their authentic perspective to the film.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Active School of Uccle in Brussels and several of their classes of teenagers passionate about art and expression, we were able to create a film truly designed by and for young people.

In addition, the film was developed in close collaboration with endometriosis specialists from several expert centers in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, who are also members of the Toi Mon Endo Scientific Committee.

These experts validated the script to ensure an accurate representation of the disease and also appear in the film to deliver a message of awareness and mobilization directed at healthcare professionals.