The Production
The film is currently in pre-production.
Watch this space for upcoming developments.
A NOTE FROM THE CREATOR
LAURA K. MARSH
When l began working in the rainforests of Ecuador, I began to live and breathe her life. I read books about her. I went to the monuments at Mitad del Mundo and Museo Historico Cajabamba. She was an adjunct story to the explorer men, of course, but she was there. I went down the Pastaza Gorge where her party descended to the rainforest—we hired a driver and did the trip easily in a day, which made it surreal. I went to her hometown—and walked around with a local historian to where her house was likely placed in the 1700s. Years later based on my work on primates in Ecuador, I named a saki monkey species after her—Pithecia isabela—which is found in the Amazon along her route. I wrote a screenplay about her (under ISABEL GODIN) that was a quarter-finalist in the MPAS Academy Nicholl Awards. As a woman who has worked for four decades in tropical rainforest, I know how difficult it is and how incredible it would be to survive it alone. And I have always wondered if my distant heritage from my grandfather, who was Chilean with a Peruvian grandmother and had a mother who was of Haitian heritage with a surname of Grandmaison—meant that Latin America, and Isabel’s story particularly, ran through my veins. Creating an immersive film about Isabel’s real-life adventures and survival has sparked hope in me for decades. I am so excited to bring her story to the world!
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
ADRIENNE ACEVEDO LOVETTE
As a Latina director and female filmmaker, the story of Isabel Godin in ACROSS THE AMAZONS resonates with me deeply. It is a tale of courage and resilience that demands to be told, shedding light on the strength of Latinx women throughout history. With a dark and rich tone, I am dedicated to authentically portraying Isabel's journey as she left behind her privileged life and ventured into the perilous Amazon jungle to reunite with her long-absent husband. My vision for ACROSS THE AMAZONS is to immerse the audience in the harsh realities of the Amazon jungle, capturing its dangers, challenges, and breathtaking beauty through meticulous attention to visual aesthetics. I am particularly interested in exploring the emotional and psychological aspects of Isabel's journey, delving into her longing, loss, and isolation with sensitivity and depth. Through powerful storytelling and an intimate connection, I aim to evoke empathy and admiration, while fostering a greater understanding of the human spirit's capacity to endure and triumph. As a Latina director, I carry the responsibility of representation and the importance of bringing untold stories like Isabel's to the forefront. ACROSS THE AMAZONS is an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, bridge cultural divides, and inspire audiences from all backgrounds. It is my honor and passion to ensure that Isabel's voice is heard, her resilience celebrated, and her story cherished. Through this film, I strive to ignite a renewed appreciation for the strength and resilience of Latinx women, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of viewers.
THE TEAM
Laura K. Marsh, Ph.D. | Writer, Producer
Dr. Laura K. Marsh is a writer and tropical ecologist. She has written several screenplays and other works of fiction; over one hundred scientific articles, books, and reports; described five new species of saki monkeys; and lead a successful expedition called Houseboat Amazon to find a monkey that had been missing since the 1930s. She wrote the Nichols' awarded screenplay ACROSS THE AMAZONS while working in the field in the Ecuadorian Amazon! After meeting with Ken Davenport at his New York offices on Broadway, they decided the story was also a natural for musical theater. Laura has since re-worked the film version for the stage adding lyrics and set directions. The goal is to have the Across The Amazons Project appear on multiple platforms, including large and small screens and the theater.
Adrienne Acevedo Lovette | Director, Producer
Adrienne Acevedo Lovette is an award-winning director, actor, writer, producer and filmmaker. She is a SXSW Audience Award winner and SUNDANCE Collab Film Challenge winner. She was also named “Women Directing Mentorship Semifinalist” through Series Fest sponsored by Shonda Rhimes company Shondaland. She has directed award-winning webseries and short films, and is currently beginning her festival run for her psychological drama feature called I’M OKAY, WE’RE OKAY, which she co-wrote, produced, directed and starred in, and a coming-of-age Latinx pilot drama called THIS BOY’S VIDA; MADE IN AMERICA. Adrienne directed the award-winning psychological horror film HIDDEN DAYLIGHT, which won "Best Film" at Phoenix Comicon, "Best Short Film" at Freak Show Horror Film Festival, and earned her the title of "Women in Horror Honoree" at FEARnyc. She also directed the supernatural horror film called THE DARK ROOM, which premiered at the Catalina Film Festival and won “Best Ensemble” at the Crimson Screen Horror Film Festival. As an actor, Adrienne has played opposite Naomi Watts, Aziz Ansari, Joaquin Phoenix, Sam Rockwell, and Michelle Williams just to name a few. She was a recurring character in BETTER CALL SAUL, FOSSE/VERDON , DASH AND LILY and THE SINNER. She is the founder of THE GARAGE PRODUCTIONS which has created several award-winning films and web series, all of which showcase the underrepresented, the LGBTQIA+ community, and differently-abled people. Adrienne Acevedo Lovette was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and is of Spanish, Taino (indigenous), Afro-Latino, and English descent. For a complete bio and to see more of her work, visit her on www.linktr.ee/AdrienneAcevedoLovette.
Tiffany Boyle | President of Packaging & Sales
Tiffany Boyle has leveraged her business-oriented sales and packaging skills to bring hundreds of films and documentaries to fruition. Since 2018 alone, Tiffany has optimized clients’ financial and business positions in more than 35 films and documentaries. Tiffany connects filmmakers with producers, co-producers, executive producers, co-finance partners, distributors, agencies and other industry representatives. Recently, she led the sales and packaging for “Tragedy Girls” (SXSW 2017) & “Freaks” (Toronto IFF 2018) and has also served as executive producer on Daryl Wein’s “White Rabbit” (Sundance 2018), “Better Start Running” (Newport IFF 2018) starring Jeremy Irons, “Ashes in the Snow” (Los Angeles FF 2018) starring Bel Powley. Upcoming films include “Something Else” from the filmmakers of “Spring”and “The Endless,” Bethany Brooke Anderson’s feature debut “Burning Kentucky”, and “Arkansas” starring Liam Hemsworth and Vince Vaughn.
MICHAEL D. JONES | LINE PRODUCER
Michael has over 28 years of experience in Film & Television as a UPM, Line Producer, and Creative Producer. His client relationships have extended from Cable to Broadcast Networks, Indie to Studio productions, commercials to live shows, and his work has taken him to over 36 US states as well as Canada. From Alaska to New Mexico, Detroit to Savannah, Los Angeles to the White House, and all over from the Pacific Northwest to the Southwest, Michael is able to assemble a team and bring projects in on time and on budget.
CHAD RUSSO | SENIOR LEGAL ASSOCIATE
Chad graduated magna cum laude from California State University Channel Islands in 2010 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Economics. graduated from Loyola Law School Los Angeles in 2014, focusing his studies on entertainment law and completing the Entertainment/Media Law Transactional Concentration. For the duration of his law school career, he worked for Crackle.com in the Product Development and Distribution Department. Chad also focuses on the representation of podcast producers and creators including the critically acclaimed podcast THE WILDERNESS. Mr. Russo joined Ramo Law upon his graduation from Loyola, after having worked as an intern for the firm since 2013. Formerly, he worked for Sony Pictures Entertainment and interned with The Walt Disney Company and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.
LEVECTOR | PRODUCTION ENTITY | ECUADOR
Levector is a production company based in Ecuador. They produce ad spots, films, digital content and corporate videos. They translate their clients’ imagination into something tangible. Their team is made up of passionate executive producers, directors, editors, and other professional collaborators. They find resources for their clients with deep knowledge of the country. They are poised to be a full-service production company for this project, including local casting.