Synopis
Gods and Thieves is a psychological thriller set in 1970s Philippines, where two con-artist brothers manipulate a remote village into believing they are divine messengers. To solidify their ruse, they enlist Magdalena Solis, a woman with a tragic past, to portray a goddess, but her delusions of divinity spiral into violence and chaos. As faith turns to fanaticism, the brothers must grapple with the devastating consequences of their deception.
Genre: Psychological Thriller / Drama
Setting: Philippines, 1970s
Running Time: Approx. 120 Minutes.
Media: Kodak Super 16mm 6k Scan
Written by: T.A.Acierto
Deception is easy. Until the gods demand blood...
about the film
The story of Gods and Thieves is inspired by real-life events surrounding the cult of Magdalena Solis, reimagined within the rich cultural and historical context of 1970s Philippines. It explores the dangers of blind faith, the consequences of exploitation, and the psychological descent into delusion. By setting the story in the Philippines, Gods and Thieves reflects the nation’s deep ties to spirituality, folklore, and the socio-political struggles of the era, offering a powerful lens through which to examine the universal themes of manipulation and fanaticism.
With its combination of psychological tension, cultural nuance, and striking visual storytelling, Gods and Thieves serves as a cautionary tale while celebrating the depth and complexity of Filipino cinematic traditions. It’s a story that resonates far beyond its setting, revealing the fragile line between belief, power, and destruction.
We invite you to dive deeper into the world of Gods and Thieves. Check out our mood board to experience the visual tone and atmosphere we’re creating, our teaser trailer, and read our vision statement to learn more about the themes and inspiration driving this powerful story.
Tone and Visuals
T.A. Acierto - Writer/ Director
Barbara Piech- Creative Producer
Willfredo Manalang - Producer
Marcin Szocinski - Cinematographer
Key Team Members
Tyrone Acierto – Writer/Director
Tyrone Acierto is a Filipino-American filmmaker whose work is shaped by his unique perspective as a minority storyteller. Born and raised in the Philippines, he moved to America at the age of 21 to pursue his passion for filmmaking. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Acierto brings a deep cultural sensibility to his craft, weaving narratives that reflect his heritage and lived experiences.
He gained recognition with his short films Among All Creatures and The Grave Bandits, which showcased his ability to blend genre storytelling with cultural depth. His feature film Watch Me Kill garnered multiple awards locally and internationally, earning acclaim for its bold narrative and visual artistry.
As a Filipino-American filmmaker, Acierto hopes to amplify underrepresented voices in cinema and bring Filipino cultural sensibilities to the global stage. With Gods and Thieves, he explores the complexities of belief and human fragility through the lens of a psychological thriller, reflecting his dedication to stories that challenge, inspire, and resonate across cultures.
Wilfredo Manalang – Producer
Wilfredo Manalang, founder of FUSEE, a content creation group based in Seattle and the Philippines, is a highly influential figure in the Asian film and television industry. Under his leadership, FUSEE has produced internationally acclaimed works, including PLAN 75 (Japan-France-Philippines), which premiered at Cannes 2022 and won the Camera D'Or Special Mention, Blue Room (Cinemalaya18, now streaming on Netflix), TOPAKK (Triggered, Locarno Film Festival, now globally distributed), and Don't Cry Butterfly (winner of the Venice Critics' Week Grand Prize). Currently, the Canadian co-production The Splendor of Life is in post-production.
Manalang is a graduate of EAVE’s Ties That Bind program (2022–2023) and APOSTLAB in Luxembourg (2023). He recently developed Land of Evanesence at In-Docs' Docs By The Sea (Bali, Indonesia) and Ji.hlava New Visions (Czech Republic). In 2023, he was selected to join the Asia Producers Network in Singapore with his project WHAT'S LEFT OF US.
Previously, Manalang served as Managing Director for International Co-production at ABS-CBN Corporation, where he worked on notable projects such as Dean Devlin's Almost Paradise, the first Hollywood series filmed in the Philippines. He also held the position of Executive Director at the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), where he represented the country at major global film markets and festivals. Additionally, he served on the Board of the Directors' Guild of the Philippines (DGPI), further cementing his legacy in the Philippine and international film industries.
Barbara Piech – Creative Producer
Barbara Piech is a passionate film producer whose work focuses on empowering women-centric narratives. Born and raised in Poland, Barbara relocated to Chicago to pursue her dream of creating impactful films that center on women’s stories and voices. She is a proud member of WIF (Women in Film). Barbara has garnered international acclaim with her work on Watch Me Kill, a gripping psychological thriller that earned multiple awards both domestically and internationally. The film received accolades at prestigious festivals, including the Warsaw Film Festival, Cinequest, and the Philippines Cinema Festival in 2019, where it won Best Film and Best Director.
Dedicated to producing bold, thought-provoking cinema, Barbara continues to focus on projects that explore women’s perspectives and amplify their stories on a global stage. With her unwavering commitment to storytelling and her ability to bring compelling visions to life, she is paving the way for a new wave of female-focused narratives in the film industry.
Marcin Szocinski – Cinematographer
Marcin Szocinski is a visionary cinematographer with a unique eye for storytelling through visual artistry. Born in Poland, Marcin began his creative journey exploring various art forms, including film and theater. At the age of 17, he migrated to Chicago, where he pursued his passion for cinematography at university.
Over the years, Marcin’s work in the film and television industry has taken him across the globe, collaborating with international directors and crews. This exposure to diverse cultures and storytelling approaches has profoundly influenced his distinct visual language, enabling him to craft compelling imagery that resonates across audiences.
Currently based in Los Angeles, Marcin continues to bring his expertise and creative vision to projects that push artistic boundaries and elevate the visual narrative. His global perspective and dedication to his craft make him a standout talent in the world of cinematography.