interview by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI

Numéro Netherlands proudly features Joes Brauers, a rising star seamlessly blending cinema and style. Influenced by greats like Sandra Hüller, Joes infuses vulnerability into roles like Erik in ‘Do Not Hesitate.’ His passion for film, languages, and fashion converge as he envisions collaborations with inspirational figures. Joes, the epitome of talent, captivates audiences in a striking men’s fashion editorial directed by Rogier Alexander.

Could you share with us the story of how your passion for cinema began, especially considering you started your career at such a young age?
My love for cinema has developed over the years, starting with my experiences on stage and gradually transitioning into the world of filmmaking. I find the process quite analogous to my personal growth—a reflection of my advancing age, life experiences, and an evolving awareness of my own story, interests, style, and taste. I strongly resonate with theories that liken cinema to a dream-like state

tracksuit ROWEN
sneakers NIKE

tracksuit ROWEN
sneakers NIKE
cap ROTTERDAM TERROR CORPS

Are there any particular actors, directors, or films that have inspired you throughout your career in the film industry?
Currently, I draw significant inspiration from Sandra Hüller. Her recent role in the captivating French film “Anatomy of a Fall,” directed by Justine Triet, has left a lasting impression on me. I believe she may be the best actor in the world right now. I’m not particularly fond of perceiving films merely as content or as a form of entertainment. Sandra’s films, in particular, never fail to move me—they either transport me to another world or prompt contemplation about my own reality. I consistently find depth and substance in her career choices.

set NADA VAN DALEN
sunglasses GIORGIO ARMANI
sneakers NIKE

tracksuit and scarf NADA VAN DALEN
sneakers NIKE

Of all the roles you’ve played so far, which one holds a special place in your heart, and why?
Erik in ‘Do Not Hesitate.’ To prepare for this role, I had the pleasure of dedicating an entire year: meeting soldiers, watching documentaries, engaging in conversations with my director (Shariff Korver) and co-stars, reflecting on my own thoughts about war and violence, and slowly discovering the inherent qualities of my character within myself. The filming period in Crete is one of the fondest memories of my life so far.

What challenges have you faced in your journey, and how have they contributed to your growth as an actor?
The challenge has been to practice patience and to decline opportunities that don’t genuinely fill your heart with passion and joy. It’s a difficult and often uncertain path, but it’s crucial to keep the inner flame of ambition burning. 

jeans TRINITY WILLIAMS
sneakers NIKE

Is there a specific genre of cinema that you feel most connected to, or do you enjoy exploring a diverse range of roles?
I have a soft spot for faltering men—those who do not recognize or admit their own strengths or weaknesses and slowly appear to implode or explode. Most importantly, I hope that my characters paint a realistic and vulnerable picture of everyday masculinity

Do you prefer to play in Dutch or in English?
It’s easier to transform in a foreign language, offering me a lot as an actor. It opens up a broader world of cultures and nuances. Nevertheless, I believe there’s a captivating challenge for Dutch filmmakers to unearth those diverse cultures and nuances within the Netherlands and the Dutch language.

tracksuit MABEL
helmet JELMER GUNNINK
necklace BUDDHA TO BUDDHA
sneakers NIKE

If you could collaborate with any actor or director in the future, who would it be and why?
I’d choose from the likes of Sandra Hüller (actor), Willem Dafoe (actor), Julia Ducournau (director), Kenneth Lonergan (director), or Justine Triet (director). Lately, they have been a great source of inspiration for me due to their unique contributions to the world of cinema

Given your success in film, TV, and stage productions, how do you manage to balance these different aspects of your acting career?
It might sound cliché, but it genuinely feels that way—I try to let my heart speak and allow my intuition to guide me. I don’t overly concern myself with the balance between these aspects, as I believe that equilibrium exists within me. It’s a matter of reading and feeling. 

Joes:
jacket NADA VAN DALEN
jeans TRINITY WILLIAMS
necklace BUDDHA TO BUDDHA
sunglasses OAKLEY

Alex:
tracksuit MABEL

coat ROWEN
sneakers NIKE

What is the place of fashion in your life, and could you describe your personal style?
To me, fashion is a way to explore within myself and express the seasons of my own character or the characters I play. It’s the fleeting culture that I embrace moment by moment. It’s the only thing that distinguishes me as a being from nature. 

Looking ahead, are there specific goals or aspirations you have for your career in the coming years, whether it’s exploring new genres or taking on different roles?
My ambition is to undergo the various phases, aspects, cultures, and challenges of human life through my work. I aspire to delve into the beauty, struggles, solace, and transience that perpetually reside within us. This involves committing to projects that fearlessly challenge these aspects in an unforgettable manner.

tracksuit and scarf NADA VAN DALEN
sneakers NIKE

TEAM CREDITS:
talent JOES BRAUERS at Henneman Agency
photography and creative direction ROGIER ALEXANDER
styling MARLEEN ETTEMA at House Of Orange Agency
styling assistants VIËNNE SINAY and VANILSA MARTINS
hair and make up DANINE ZWETS
film direction RUBEN ZONNEVELD
cinematography KOLYA TIRADO
female model ALEX GOEDEMANS
gfx motorshot RUDY PELLOUX
studio STUDIO OVERLAB
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview MARIE-PAULINE CESARI

in theme of the movie HARDCORE NEVER DIES
special thanks to EMPIRE FILM, JELMER GUNNINK, AIR PHOTO STUDIO, MICHEL BOS PR & CONSULTING and ROTTERDAM TERROR CORPS