A new film, The Garden We Dreamed, directed by Mexican filmmaker Joaquín del Paso, is set to make its world premiere on February 13, 2024, at the Berlin International Film Festival. The film follows a family navigating the challenges of migration while seeking a place filled with love and resilience. This poignant narrative is particularly relevant in today’s global context, reflecting the struggles faced by many families on the move.
The story centers on a Haitian couple, Esther and Junior, along with Esther’s two daughters, Flor and Aisha. They relocate to a secluded forest in central Mexico, where they attempt to create a nurturing environment amidst the complexities of their circumstances. The forest, a sanctuary for millions of migratory Monarch butterflies, is also marked by illegal logging, which impacts both the local ecology and the lives of its inhabitants.
Del Paso describes the film as a dual exploration of migration, highlighting the delicate journey of the Monarch butterfly and the human quest for stability. He states, “This film is a study on two migrations: the delicate flight of the Monarch butterfly, which travels each year from the north of the American continent south to Mexico in search of warmth, and the human journey north from Central America and through Mexico in search of stability and possibility.”
As the narrative unfolds, Junior grapples with his past while Esther emerges as a source of strength for the family. Despite the encroaching dangers of their environment, she cultivates moments of peace and tenderness, reflecting the resilience of the human spirit. The film’s cinematography, handled by Gökhan Tiryaki, captures the beauty of the forest, juxtaposing it with the harsh realities faced by the characters.
Produced by Amondo Cine and Cárcava Cine, and distributed in Mexico by Pimienta Films, The Garden We Dreamed aims to resonate with audiences by presenting a narrative that balances themes of struggle with the warmth of family bonds. m-appeal is managing global sales of the film.
Del Paso reflects on the inspiration behind the film, noting, “Living in central Mexico, I have witnessed the quiet disappearance of ancient trees alongside the arrival of Haitian families seeking to rebuild their lives. This reality led me to shift my creative direction toward a more intimate and human approach.” He emphasizes the importance of capturing the small acts of resilience and tenderness that define the human experience, even in precarious conditions.
The film seeks to foster empathy and connection among viewers, encouraging them to see themselves in the experiences of others. Del Paso concludes, “I hope to show that humanity’s greatest strength is our capacity to care for one another when the world around us feels like it is falling apart.”
“I believe that even in the most precarious conditions, the human spirit seeks brightness,”
he states, underscoring the film’s core message.
As anticipation builds for The Garden We Dreamed, its exclusive clip has been released, allowing audiences a glimpse into the film’s emotional depth and visual storytelling. The film promises to be a significant entry in this year’s festival, appealing to those interested in profound narratives that address contemporary issues.
