Director Michiel ten Horn merges local folklore with dark humor in genre-bending crime fantasy, set to open International Film Festival Rotterdam

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.