Joel Van der Molen

In a time when documentary filmmaking is often about spectacle over substance, one director stands out for his fearless curiosity and emotional depth. With a camera as his compass, he ventures into worlds many shy away from—seeking not controversy, but truth. His latest work, FansOnly: The Human Side of Porn, exemplifies this mission.

Teaming up with adult film icon Tommy Gunn, he steps behind the scenes of the adult entertainment industry to uncover the human stories behind the spotlight. Featuring voices like Alexis Texas, Emma Hix, Alexis Fawx, and Holly Randall, the film dives into themes of empowerment, mental health, stigma, and the evolving dynamics of platforms like OnlyFans. Candid, intimate, and unflinchingly honest, FansOnly challenges viewers to rethink everything they thought they knew about the industry—and the people within it.

Simultaneously, he turns his lens to the world of music with a new documentary on Tonino Baliardo, founder and leader of the legendary Gipsy Kings. From being discovered by Brigitte Bardot while busking in St. Tropez to selling over 20 million albums and winning a Grammy for Savor Flamenco, Baliardo’s story is one of artistic genius and cultural impact. The film explores his greatest hits like Bamboleo and Djobi Djoba, and his contributions to The Big Lebowski and Toy Story III, capturing the passion behind the flamenco-driven global phenomenon.

These projects follow the success of Gypsy Billionaire, the surprise Amazon #1 hit chronicling Alfie Best’s rise from a snowy layby to becoming the world’s richest gypsy. The film earned 33 global awards, including the SIFFA President Award, and cemented the director’s reputation for meaningful, thought-provoking storytelling.

With roots in Southeast England, early dreams of tennis stardom, and formal acting training at The Webber Douglas Academy, his journey is as unconventional as the stories he tells—always led by a desire to reveal the people behind the headlines.