"We Had a Plan," a poignant documentary, has garnered international sales attention from Paris-based Cat&Docs even before its world premiere at the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA). The film, which will debut in IDFA's Luminous strand and contend for the Best Dutch Film Award, is a collaborative effort directed by Suzanne Raes and co-directed by Venice De Castro Atienza. A preview of the trailer was exclusively revealed by Variety, offering a first look into the film's compelling narrative.
The documentary delves into the lives of Paul and Daniel, a gay Filipino couple who return to their homeland after ten years working as undocumented cleaners in the Netherlands. Despite being perceived as affluent by their relatives, their initial optimism and savings gradually diminish, and the societal constraints faced by a gay couple in the Philippines begin to strain their relationship. Director Suzanne Raes describes the film as a "bittersweet love story" that examines the impact of global disparities in wealth, social security, and LGBTQ+ acceptance on their bond. Co-director De Castro Atienza adds that the film explores the profound sacrifices made by migrant workers, illustrating their complex choices between providing for family abroad and building a life with loved ones at home, offering an intimate perspective on their struggle to forge a place for their love in a challenging world.
Catherine Le Clef, President and CEO of Cat&Docs, expressed her company's immediate connection to the film's heartfelt story and its endearing protagonists. She highlighted the documentary's ability to provide a deeply human insight into a migrant workforce often reduced to mere statistics or rendered invisible. Le Clef noted the film's powerful and timely message, emphasizing the very real human costs associated with systems that rely on such labor. Both Raes and De Castro Atienza have established careers in filmmaking, with Raes' previous works including "Close to Vermeer" and "Where Dragons Live," while De Castro Atienza's "Last Days at Sea" premiered at the Berlinale, further showcasing their expertise in capturing compelling human narratives.
This documentary beautifully illustrates the enduring strength of human connection and the spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity. It encourages a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of migrant communities and LGBTQ+ individuals, reminding us all of the universal search for belonging, love, and a better future, regardless of the obstacles encountered. The film serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering pursuit of happiness.
