Miss Homeless Documentary: Mathilde’s Misses

Directed by Pieter DeVos

(French and Flemish with English subtitles)

Film Review

This documentary is about a unique Brussels beauty pageant for homeless women. The purpose of the contest is to raise public consciousness about the plight of homeless women. Its sponsors, a long time homeless advocate named Mathilde and her daughter Aline, take the radical position that no woman should be homeless.

The film follows ten finalists as they prepare for the pageant. In addition to finding them temporary housing to help them qualify for government benefits, Mathilde and Aline support them through a variety of health and personal crises.

The documentary offers a rare glimpse into the immense stress confronting victims of homelessness. It’s also extremely touching to watch how the women respond to pampering by professional hair stylists and make-up artists.