Canada’s ICON Creative Studio has struck a deal with famed Chilean novelist Isabel Allende to adapt her short story “Dos Palabras” as an animated short film.
This marks the first time the legendary writer has granted screen adaptation rights to the work, published in 1989 and it ranks as the most requested adaptation among all Allende short stories. The story, written the style of magical realism, follows a woman “who sells words so potent that they even influence a powerful man’s quest for the presidency.”
“I am thrilled to soon see one of my oldest short stories adapted by an incredible team. It’s a story about the power of words, and I can’t wait to see it brought to life” said Allende.
Pilar Flynn (“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” “Elena of Avalor”) will direct the short and serve as executive producer and co-writer. Allende will also serve as an executive producer.
“Being a native of Chile and Ecuador with over two decades of experience in the animation industry, directing and writing this film is a dream realized. I am excited for the opportunity to weave my heritage and artistic expression together to bring Isabel’s vivid magical realism to life,” Flynn said.
Rafael Agustín (“Jane The Virgin”) will serve as co-writer and executive producer.
“I’m thrilled that Isabel has entrusted Pilar and me with this story. In keeping with her unwavering celebration of women around the world through her writing and philanthropy, it’s fitting to see Isabel join us on this animated project to uplift Pilar’s directorial debut. We’re sincerely honored and excited to introduce her work to a new generation of audiences,” he said.
Rafael Chaidez, 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,” serves as producer.
Founded in 213, Vancouver-based ICON ranks as Canada’s largest independently owned animation studio. Shea Wageman, ICON’s CEO and president, and Carson Loveday, VP of ICON Creative Studio, will also serve as executive producers on “Dos Palabras,” which translates as “Two Words.”
“We are honored to be invited to work with writer-director Pilar Flynn, writer-producer Rafael Agustin, and producer Rafael Chaidez to bring Isabel Allende’s extraordinary tale to the screen for the first time,” said Wageman. “This story carries profound relevance for our times. It’s about the transformative power of words, the triumph of the human spirit, and choosing inspiration. With our world-class team of artists and this exceptional creative leadership, we’re creating something truly special that honors both the story’s Latin American roots and its universal themes.”
