“It’s not just queer fear, I think it’s more than that”: Victoria Linares Villegas and Cecile van Welie on Don’t Come Out at Berlin Film Festival 2026

Director Victoria Linares Villegas and lead actress Cecile van Welie joined us at the Berlin Film Festival 2026 to discuss their powerful film, Don’t Come Out (No Salgas). Linares Villegas, known for exploring queer experiences and socio-political oppression, explained how the feature delves into homophobia within the Dominican Republic’s conservative society. She highlighted its broader relevance, stating that “it’s not just queer fear, I think it’s more than that,” encompassing universal struggles. The movie masterfully blends sociological, psychological, and even supernatural elements to portray a protagonist’s journey through identity, grief and societal expectations. Van Welie passionately spoke about the importance of truthfully telling this story, especially for queer individuals seeking representation and understanding in challenging environments.