This Friday, September 12, Indian audiences will witness the release of Diary of a Woman, a Swiss psychological drama that has already garnered international attention for its daring portrayal of gender identity, mental health, and the human struggle for acceptance.
Directed and written by Simon Aeby, the film is produced by Remo Muggli, Simon Aeby, and Angelo Boffo, under the banners of Simon Aeby Films and Snider Films. With support from the Swiss Federal Office of Culture and Swiss Films, the movie will be distributed in India by Jai Viratra Entertainment Limited (JVL).
A Story Born From Personal Trauma
The film’s roots trace back to a deeply personal and tragic incident from director Simon’s youth. At just 15 years old, one of his closest friends took his own life because of struggles with gender identity. That memory stayed with him for decades, eventually shaping itself into the screenplay for Diary of a Woman.
“When the idea resurfaced, I wanted to tell it authentically,” Ay explains. “I knew Marcel, my friend for over 25 years, would be the right actor to carry this journey. It wasn’t easy to get funding from Switzerland because of the subject, but eventually the film found recognition on the festival circuit, which opened doors worldwide.”
A Journey Into Identity
Diary of a Woman tells the story of a man, a schoolteacher in rural Switzerland, who returns to his mother’s apartment in Bern after she is hospitalized. As he sorts through her belongings, he discovers a red dress she once wore and begins slipping into her world. What begins as curiosity slowly transforms into an exploration of his own feminine side — a journey that forces him to confront identity, memory, and self-expression.
Lead actor Marcel Schneider described the role as one of the most difficult of his career:
“I had to dig deep into the feminine side of myself. It took weeks of preparation and sleepless nights. It was emotionally draining, but also transformative. This role pushed me to my limits.”
A Bold PR Strategy
Interestingly, no full-length trailer has been released in India ahead of the premiere. The team chose to share only a teaser.
“Without dialogue, just the feel of the movie, we want the audience to come in curious,” says producer Remo Mobly. “It’s part of our PR strategy.”
Crafting the Vision
Diary of a Woman was shot in an intimate, minimalist style with a very small crew — a choice that helped capture the raw psychological intensity of Alex’s journey.
The film’s artistry is shaped by a dedicated creative team:
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Roberto Cancellara, cinematographer, frames Alex’s turmoil against hauntingly stark backdrops.
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Adriano Cancellara composed the title song.
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August Wilhelmsson composed the score, while Markus Moll and Katharina Pfennig created the sound mix.
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The sound design is deliberately crafted to heighten the film’s psychological tension.
Why India?
Distributor Mano Dana of JVL believes ” Diary of a Woman ” marks an important step in diversifying the content available to Indian audiences.
“People are hungry for meaningful stories, not just spectacle,” he says. “This collaboration brings Swiss cinema to India on a scale we’ve never seen before. The timing is perfect — the world is finally ready for films like this.”
A premiere and special screening for the LGBTQ+ community will take place on September 11, ahead of the nationwide release across 100 cinemas.
Small Production, Big Vision
Unlike big-budget productions, Diary of a Woman was filmed with a small, intimate crew.
“It was just four of us shooting most of the time,” recalls Ay. “That intimacy allowed us to capture raw emotions. Marcel gave an Oscar-worthy performance.”
Censorship & Challenges
The Indian censor board has granted the film an ‘A’ certificate, though certain nude scenes had to be blurred. Still, the filmmakers insist the essence of the story remains intact.
Premiere & Release
A special screening for the LGBTQ+ community and media will be held on September 11, one day before the nationwide release across 100 cinemas in India.
Expectations
While the release coincides with four other films, the team believes Diary of a Woman will stand out due to its unique subject matter. “This is not a feel-good, colorful film like Bollywood musicals. It’s closer to the psychological depth of David Lynch or Roman Polanski,” says Ay.
Looking Ahead
Interestingly, the filmmakers expressed admiration for Bollywood and hinted at future collaborations. Ay even mentioned interest in casting Shah Rukh Khan in an upcoming European project.
Why It Matters
Diary of a Woman is not a colorful Bollywood-style spectacle. Instead, it echoes the psychological depth of filmmakers like David Lynch or Roman Polanski. It is challenging, intimate, and unflinching in its exploration of identity.
With Marcel Schneider inhabiting almost every frame as both Alex and Alexa, the film promises to be a thought-provoking experience — one that sparks dialogue on mental health, gender identity, and society’s role in shaping individual destinies.
As it opens in India, Diary of a Woman aims to do more than entertain: it seeks to start long overdue conversations.
