Behind the Dress

Every year women apply to compete in Miss Universe, subjecting themselves to being judged on their looks, dress, poise, and presentation. Through unprecedented access and first-hand accounts, filmmaker and former Miss Universe Canada Elena Semikina takes us beyond the stereotypes and clichés, showing the pageant as a vehicle for empowering women, humanitarian outreach, and for one contestant - even social reform. Miss Universe Canada drew world-headlines after Jenna Talackova was denied the right to compete for not being a 'naturally born female'. Donald Trump revised the Miss Universe rulebook and Jenna became the first transgender woman to compete in any Miss Universe pageant. Other women embark on medical aid missions across the globe, raise awareness and funds to fight disease and hunger, and provide education to children in orphanages. Behind The Dress introduces us to the contestants of Miss Universe Canada who are more than fighting for a crown, these are women on a mission, not for a prize, but for a voice.