Haitian Family's Forest Haven Faces Illegal Logging Threat

"The Garden We Dreamed" chronicles the poignant journey of a Haitian family seeking a safe haven in a remote Mexican forest. The film, which world premiered on February 13th in Berlin, centers on Esther, Junior, and Esther's daughters, Flor and Aisha, as they attempt to cultivate a space of love and stability.

Director Joaquín del Paso draws a parallel between the family's human migration and the annual flight of the Monarch butterflies. This delicate natural phenomenon coexists with the harsh reality of illegal logging, which encroaches upon the forest and the lives of its inhabitants.

Del Paso shifted his directorial focus to a more intimate, human approach, inspired by witnessing Haitian families settling in Mexico while ancient trees disappear. The film delves into the tension between past traumas and the pursuit of a secure future, highlighting the strength found in family.

The narrative emphasizes the human spirit's innate search for brightness, even in the direst circumstances. It captures moments of tenderness, play, and resilience, aiming to build empathy by showcasing our shared capacity for care when the world seems to crumble.