Producers Pilar Flynn and Rafael Agustín have signed a deal with famous Chilean novelist Isabel Allende to develop her short story “Dos Palabras” into an animated short.
Canada’s ICON Creative Studio will produce the short film. The deal marks the first time the legendary author has granted film rights to the 1989 novel, which ranks as the most requested film of all Allende’s short stories. Written in the style of magic realism, the story follows a woman who “sells a word so powerful that it even influences a powerful man’s quest for the presidency.”
“I’m so excited to see one of my oldest short stories adapted so closely by such an amazing team. This is a story about the power of words, and I can’t wait to see it come to life,” said Allende.
Pilar Flynn (Marvel’s Elena of Avalor, Elena of Avalor) will direct the short and serve as executive producer and co-writer. Allende will also serve as executive producer.
“Having a Chilean and Ecuadorian background with over 20 years of experience in the animation industry, it’s a dream come true to direct and write this film,” said Flynn. “I’m excited about the opportunity to weave together my heritage and artistic expression to bring Isabel’s vivid magical realism to life.”
Rafael Agustín (Jane the Virgin) will serve as co-writer and executive producer.
“I’m thrilled that Isabel has entrusted Pilar and I with this story. In line with her unwavering celebration of women around the world through her writing and philanthropy, it’s fitting that Isabel will be a part of this animated project to elevate Pilar’s directorial debut. We are truly honored and excited to introduce her work to a new generation of audiences,” he said.
The series is produced by Rafael Chaides, a two-time Emmy and Annie Award-winning animation producer whose credits include the Kung Fu Panda series, Puss in Boots, and Disney’s Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.
Founded in 2013, Vancouver-based ICON ranks as Canada’s largest independent animation studio. Shea Wageman, CEO and president of ICON, and Carson Loveday, vice president of ICON Creative Studio, will also serve as executive producers for “Dos Palabras” (translated as “Two Words”). Damien Perea, founder of the Animayo Film Festival, will also serve as executive producer.
“I am honored to have been invited to work with writer/director Pilar Flynn, writer/producer Rafael Agustín, and producer Rafael Chaides to bring Isabel Allende’s extraordinary story to the screen for the first time,” said Wageman. “This story has deep relevance for our times. It is about the transformative power of words, the triumph of the human spirit, and the choice of inspiration. With our world-class team of artists and this extraordinary creative leadership, we are creating something truly special that honors both the story’s Latin American roots and its universal themes.”
