'The Garden of Earthly Delights', a new feature film directed by Morgan Knibbe, makes its highly anticipated run at this year's QCinema International Film Festival from Nov. 14 to 23.

This ambitious and critically vital project is a testament to international collaboration, produced by the Amsterdam-based powerhouse BALDR Film, which has produced and co-produced films that have been screened at the prestigious Cannes, Berlinale,

Venice, and Sundance International Film Festivals, and the respected Filipino production house Popple Pictures, in co-production with Belgium’s CZAR Film.

The film's significance was recognized early on, having been granted funding by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the Netherlands Film Fund, and the Flanders Film Fund.

The film plunges the audience into the harsh and bustling Manila. The narrative follows eleven-year-old Ginto, who dreams of escaping his scavenger life to become a gangster while grappling with his blossoming sexuality. Simultaneously, the world of Dutch tourist Michael crumbles after he discovers he’s been deceived by his online Filipino girlfriend, leading him into the city’s red-light district, where dark desire meets sinister demand. As their paths inevitably converge, the film showcases a brutal and cinematically stunning collision where Western wealth and postcolonial poverty intersect.

The project is the feature debut for director Morgan Knibbe, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Roelof Jan Minneboo. Knibbe is internationally recognized for his powerful work, including his documentary debut 'Those Who Feel the Fire Burning' (2014), which was the Dutch entry for the Oscars and received over 30 international awards.

children. This experience sparked the idea for 'The Garden of Earthly Delights'. In 2019, alongside co-writer Roelof Jan Minneboo and associate producer Kristine Kintana, Morgan deepened his immersion in the country while developing the screenplay.

ignored. Privilege lies in looking away. Using the power of cinema, we strive to expose exploitation and marginalization, inspire collective action, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society, while honoring the utmost respect for the people we portray. This film was a collective endeavor between West and East, embracing diverse perspectives and amplifying authentic narratives to deconstruct harmful stereotypes."

creative exchange: “This film was a true meeting of minds and a necessary open collaboration. The Filipino production team was uncompromisingly dedicated to ensuring that the depiction ofthe Philippines would be authentic and grounded, but never exploitative. It was refreshing that the Dutch producers welcomed this creative guidance, understanding that true artistry in a project like this demands sensitivity and local insights to deliver an honest and impactful narrative.”

'The Garden of Earthly Delights' won several awards, including Best Director at the recent Golden Calves (Dutch Academy Awards), which is popularly known as the Dutch version of the Oscars in the US. It will have its international premiere at the Torino Film Festival in Italy, right after QCinema.

decision provides the raw, unvarnished look required to tell a story about marginalized lives in Manila.

Before filming, the team went around Metro Manila to conduct street casting. That’s how they discovered the kids who would play the leads in the movie. The search for authenticity led the filmmakers to cast JP Rodriguez in the powerful lead role as Ginto. He once worked as a fruit-stand vendor and a supply porter in Manila’s largest trading area at a young age. The other kids who played Ginto’s friends were also just everyday normal kids with no acting experience before filming: John Michael Toling plays Jojo, Paula Mikaela Padon plays Lourdes, and Ada Belamide plays Liwa.

The main cast also includes theater and film performers Francesca Dela Cruz and Bunny Cadag. At the same time, acclaimed Dutch actor Benjamin Moen plays Michael. Moen has appeared in numerous theater, TV, and film productions, including the short film 'Pizzamonster', for which he was nominated for Best Actor at the Shortcutz festival in 2018.

'The Garden of Earthly Delights' is part of the Before Midnight category of the 13th QCinema International Film Festival. (Robert Requintina)