'Fabula' Blends Crime and Fantasy in Historic Rotterdam Festival Opener

Dutch filmmaker Michiel ten Horn will make history at the International Film Festival Rotterdam with his latest feature, “Fabula,” the first homegrown Dutch production to open the festival since 2018.

The film follows Jos, a small-time criminal played by Fedja van Huêt, in a redemption story that combines crime, comedy, and fantasy. Set in Limburg, the Netherlands’ southernmost province, “Fabula” explores local folklore and contemporary themes through an unconventional narrative.

“It’s between comedy, crime, and fantasy. You are never quite sure what to expect,” ten Horn said. He deliberately filmed during November and December to create an intentionally uncomfortable atmosphere that supports the story’s darker elements.

The narrative draws inspiration from classic redemption tales, with ten Horn comparing the protagonist to a Charles Dickens character. Jos faces a personal crisis after a drug deal goes wrong and learns he’s about to become a grandfather. The story unfolds as a journey of transformation, with the character encountering unexpected challenges.

Ten Horn assembled an international cast including Sezgin Güleç, Michiel Kerbosch, and David Kross. The actors learned Limburg’s distinctive southern dialect to add authenticity to the production. “The more local and specific it gets, the more universal it feels,” the director explained.

The filmmaker’s influences range from Danish director Anders Thomas Jensen to Italian auteur Paolo Sorrentino, with hints of early Wes Anderson’s style. The film is a collaborative production involving companies from the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, with support from local film funds.

“Fabula” will be released theatrically in April by The Searchers. Ten Horn is already preparing his next project, “Any Other Night,” an English-language tragicomedy set in Berlin and starring Marwan Kenzari.

With its unique blend of genres and local storytelling, “Fabula” promises to be a distinctive addition to contemporary Dutch cinema, challenging audience expectations and exploring complex themes of redemption and personal growth.