Shelley in Wonderland

In this documentary, we follow 62-year-old Shelly in her preparations and participation in the Ms. Senior pageant in Las Vegas. Together with other 60+ seniors and super-seniors, they prove that they still matter. We follow Shelley's journey, both literally and emotionally, driving up to Las Vegas where she meets her competition, practices her act nervously, enjoys the Las Vegas nightlife and organizes a pajama party with the ladies before the big night. Along the way, we discover Shelley's life motives, challenges, insecurities, and dreams. We learn about her past, the difficult times in her life and how she always sacrificed herself for others. As such, we come to understand why this pageant means so much more to her, as she finally does something for no one else but herself. But we also learn why older women are still so concerned with their appearance and in need of confirmation. At the same time, we see their sisterhood, their joy of life, and their empowerment as they proudly end up on stage with all eyes on them. Shelley in Wonderland is a documentary about the desire for visibility and chasing dreams at an older age. It tells an intimate and personal life story about sacrifice and choosing for yourself, while also giving us a glimpse into the madness of America and its crooked beauty ideals.